Aichi-Nagoya: Mirabai Chanu's Asian Games dream has finally come true. On Wednesday, she won the silver medal in the women's 49 kg category by lifting 198 kg. With this she has reached the podium of the Asian Games for the first time. This medal is special not only for Mirabai but for the unshortened Indian weightlifting. Without Karnam Malleswari's silver in Bangkok in 1998, India has got a medal in weightlifting in the Asian Games without 28 years.
How did Mirabai perform on the platform?
Mirabai started with snatch. Easily lifted 83 kg in the first attempt, 85 kg in the second and 87 kg in the third. All three lifts were clean. Then in wipe and wiggle she started with 107 kg. By lifting 111 kg in the second attempt, her total became 198 kg. In the third attempt, the weight was increased but that lift was missed. However, 198 kg was unbearable for silver.
Who won the gold?
Gold was taken by North Korea's Ri Song Gum. She lifted a total of 215 kg – 94 kg in snatch and 121 kg in wipe and jerk. During this time he moreover made a world record. Bronze went to Luluk Diana of Indonesia, who lifted 191 kg.
Why is this medal so special for Mirabai?
Mirabai had won silver in the Olympics and gold in the World Championship and Commonwealth, only the Asian Games medal was left. In 2014, she stood 9th in Incheon. Had to miss the Jakarta Games in 2018 due to a when injury. In 2023, she finished fourth in Hangzhou by lifting 191 kg and got injured in the last lift. Without three Asian Games, their wait finally ended in Nagoya. At the age of 32, she showed that she is still on top.
How did the 28 year drought end?
Last time in 1998, Karnam Malleswari had won silver in 63 kg. Since then India has been yonder from the Asian Games podium in weightlifting. Mirabai ended this 28 year long drought. With this silver, Mirabai's medal hodgepodge is now well-constructed - Olympics, World, Commonwealth and now Asian Games. This Nagoya medal is the most memorable medal of her career.
