India’s weightlifting sensation Saikhom Mirabai Chanu made a stellar comeback on Thursday, winning a silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships held in Forde, Norway. This marks her first podium finish at the event in three years and her second competitive outing following a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics. The two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist lifted a total of 199kg across snatch and clean and jerk categories, reaffirming her status as one of India’s premier athletes in the global weightlifting arena.
Strong Snatch Performance and Resilient Clean and Jerk
Chanu opened the competition confidently in the snatch segment, successfully lifting 84kg on her first attempt. She then attempted 87kg twice but missed both efforts. Despite these misses, her 84kg lift was sufficient to secure a bronze medal in the snatch portion of the event.
Moving on to the clean and jerk, Chanu displayed remarkable composure and consistency. She started with 109kg, improved to 112kg, and capped her performance with a 115kg lift. This effort earned her silver in both the clean and jerk and overall standings. The gold medal went to defending champion Ri Song-gum of DPR Korea, who set a new world record with a total lift of 213kg (91kg snatch + 122kg clean and jerk). Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen claimed bronze with a combined total of 198kg, showcasing the high level of competition at the event.
A Remarkable Career and Historic Achievements
Chanu’s journey at the World Championships has been a testament to her perseverance and dedication. She first rose to prominence by winning gold in the 48kg category at the 2017 Anaheim Championships, lifting a total of 194kg, and becoming India’s first World Champion in weightlifting since Karnam Malleswari’s titles in 1994 and 1995. In 2022, she claimed silver in the 49kg category with a 200kg total at Bogota, while in 2023, she strategically skipped lifting to avoid injury during the compulsory Olympic qualifier.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chanu recorded a total lift of 199kg in the 49kg category, which mirrors her performance in Forde. Her consistency and resilience across international competitions underscore her ability to perform at the highest level while managing the pressures of elite sport. Just last month, she returned triumphantly at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, claiming gold with a total lift of 193kg.
Chanu’s silver medal in Norway also adds to India’s growing legacy in women’s weightlifting at the World Championships. With this medal, India’s overall tally rises to 18—comprising three golds, ten silvers, and five bronzes—all achieved by female lifters. Her performance not only boosts national pride but also inspires young athletes across the country to aim for global excellence in sports.
