Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu is gearing up for the upcoming Olympic Games with a strategic training plan in Paris. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ (MYAS) Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has greenlit Chanu’s proposal to train in La Ferte-Milon, France, a decision that underscores the nation’s commitment to providing its athletes with optimal preparation opportunities.
Chanu, who clinched a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, will embark on her training journey in Paris nearly a month ahead of this year’s showpiece event, scheduled for July-August. The 29-year-old athlete aims to acclimatize and fine-tune her skills in preparation for her event on the grand stage.
Accompanied by two coaches and a physiotherapist, Mirabai Chanu will receive comprehensive support during her training stint, with all expenses covered under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding. This strategic move comes after Chanu spent a significant portion of last year recovering from a hip injury sustained during the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Despite her injury setback, Chanu remains focused on her Olympic aspirations. She is slated to participate in the 2024 IWF World Cup in Thailand this April, a mandatory competition for athletes vying for eligibility at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Although she hasn’t yet secured a formal quota for the Paris Games, Chanu stands in a favorable position in the Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR) for the women’s 49kg category. Ranked second in the OQR list, she is poised to secure a quota spot for India if she maintains her position within the top 10 by the qualification window’s end on April 28.
In addition to Mirabai Chanu’s training endeavor, other Indian athletes have also received support from the MOC. Equestrian Anush Agarwalla’s requests for competing in eight competitions and procuring equipment for his horses have been approved under TOPS funding, while judoka Asmita Dey and shooter Arjun Singh Cheema have received financial assistance for their respective competitions.
Meanwhile, Indian tennis prodigy Sumit Nagal’s request for financial aid towards international competition participation has also been greenlit, reflecting the nation’s steadfast commitment to nurturing and empowering its sporting talents on the global stage.
