Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49kg event, ending India’s 21-year drought for a weightlifting medal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in congratulating Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu on winning the country’s first medal at the pandemic-affected Tokyo Olympics.
After learning that she had won a medal, the Manipur athlete broke down and hugged her coach in joy. She later danced as well to commemorate the historic podium finish. Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49kg event, ending India’s 21-year drought for a weightlifting medal.
Ms Chanu, 26, lifted a total of 202 kilogrammes (87 kilogrammes + 115 kilogrammes) to surpass Karnam Malleswari’s bronze medal performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“I couldn’t have imagined a better start to @Tokyo2020! The astounding performance of @mirabai chanu has thrilled India. Congratulations on her silver medal performance in weightlifting. Every Indian is inspired by her success “PM Modi sent out a tweet.
“President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, “Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by earning silver in weightlifting.”
In addition, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated to Meerabai Chanu for winning first medal. In this way India has started winning medals.
