Mirabai Chanu
Mirabai Saikhom Chanu, born August 8, 1994 in Manipur, is India’s weightlifting icon. Rising from humble beginnings, she stunned the world with her strength and resilience. Chanu won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, lifting 202 kg, becoming only the second Indian weightlifter to medal at the Games. She is a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist (2018, 2022, 2026), setting records in snatch and clean & jerk. Her breakthrough came with gold at the 2017 World Championships. Honoured with the Padma Shri and Khel Ratna, Chanu embodies determination, inspiring millions. Her journey from firewood to podiums defines India’s sporting spirit.
“Everyone thinks women can’t do much in weightlifting. I want to show all those people that women have strength and can do anything and everything.”