Mirabai Chanu, an Indian weightlifter, won silver in the women's 49kg category at the current Tokyo Olympics, earning the country's first medal.
Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in the 49kg division, ending India's 21-year thirst for an Olympic weightlifting medal, to open the country's account here on Saturday. The 26-year-old lifted a total of 202 kg (87 kg + 115 kg) to beat Karnam Malleswari's bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.She was able to exorcise the ghosts of the 2016 Olympics, where she had failed to log a single lift. Hou Zhihui of China won gold with a 210kg (94kg+116kg) effort, while Aisah Windy Cantika of Indonesia grabbed bronze with a 194kg (84kg+110kg) performance.
Chanu tried 84kg in her first snatch attempt, despite her weakness in the lead-up to the main event. The Manipuri took her time and lifted the barbell with ease.
Chanu tried 84kg in her first snatch attempt, despite her weakness in the lead-up to the main event. The Manipuri took her time and lifted the barbell with ease.
In her next effort, she lifted 87kg before increasing the weight to 89kg, which was one kilo more than her personal best of 88kg set at the national championship last year.
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She was unable to surpass her personal best and finished second in the snatch event with 87kg, just behind leader Zhihui, who set a new Olympic record with a 94kg effort.
In the category, the Chinese lifter also owns the world record (96kg).
Chanu, the world record holder in the clean jerk, lifted 110 and 115 kilos on his first two attempts.
She was unable to lift 117kg in her final effort, but it was enough to earn her a medal and put India on the board.
Mannipuri was overcome with emotion when she realised she had won a medal and embraced her coach in joy.
She later danced as well to commemorate the remarkable podium finish.