Bharat’s Tokyo Olympics silver-medalist, Mirabai Chanu, secured her berth in the 2024 Paris Games after an impressive performance in the women’s 49kg Group B event at the IWF World Cup held in Thailand’s Phuket.
Chanu demonstrated resilience by lifting a total of 184kg (81kg+103kg) during the tournament, marking the final mandatory qualifier for the Paris Olympics. The champion, who returned from a six-month injury hiatus, finished 3rd in the IWF World Cup 2024.
Having fulfilled the criteria by participating in two compulsory events and three other qualifiers, Chanu’s position in the women’s 49kg Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR) stands at second, trailing behind China’s Jian HuiHua.
While her performance at the World Cup wasn’t at her personal best due to the lingering effects of a hip tendonitis injury sustained during the Asian Games in September, Manipur’s Chanu managed to secure five clean lifts. Despite falling short of her personal records in both snatch and clean and jerk sections, her progress bodes well, considering her recent injury and rehabilitation.
With the official confirmation of her qualification pending until the conclusion of the World Cup and the subsequent update of the OQR, Chanu remains optimistic about her chances. As she continues her preparations for the Paris Games, scheduled for July, Chanu aims to peak at the right time, banking on her resilience and determination.
Marking her third Olympic appearance, Chanu emerges as the only Indian weightlifter to represent the nation at the prestigious Paris Olympics, showcasing her exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to the sport.
