Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu has virtually secured her spot at the 2024 Paris Games after clinching third place in the women’s 49kg Group B event at the IWF World Cup. Despite returning from a six-month injury layoff, Chanu displayed resilience by lifting a total of 184kg (81kg snatch + 103kg clean and jerk) at the tournament, which serves as the final mandatory qualifier for the Paris Olympics.
With her performance, Chanu has met the criteria for the Paris Olympics, having participated in two compulsory events and three other qualifiers. Currently ranked second in the women’s 49kg Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR), behind China’s Jian HuiHua, Chanu awaits the official confirmation of her qualification pending the conclusion of the World Cup and the subsequent update of the OQR.
Although her lifts were not at her personal best, Chanu’s ability to make five clean lifts underscores her determination. Having dealt with a hip tendonitis injury since her last competition at the Asian Games in September, Chanu’s progress signifies a promising trajectory leading up to the Paris Olympics in July.
Despite the challenges, the 29-year-old weightlifter, known for her personal best efforts of 88kg in snatch and a then world record of 119kg in clean and jerk at the 2021 Asian Championships, is optimistic about her performance at the upcoming Games. Chanu is set to be the sole representative of India in weightlifting at the Paris Olympics, marking her third appearance at the prestigious event.
