Saikhom Mirabai Chanu reminded the world why she is one of India’s most loved athletes by winning gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships on August 25. With a combined lift of 193 kg — 84 kg in snatch and 109 kg in clean and jerk — she didn’t just win the medal, she also set new Commonwealth records in all three categories. After months of doubts, pain, and recovery, she had just two words for her return: “I’m back.”
Rising After Paris
For Chanu, this wasn’t just another medal. It was a victory over uncertainty. Ever since she finished fourth at the 2024 Paris Olympics and battled a nagging injury, questions about her form and future surrounded her. Moving from the 49 kg to the 48 kg category added another layer of challenge. “There was a lot of pressure to perform, especially after my injury,” she admitted. “I found myself asking, ‘Can I really do this?’”
Powered by Family and Faith
When she stepped onto the platform, her strength wasn’t just in her muscles, but in her heart. Her family had travelled all the way to cheer her on. “Seeing them in the stands gave me the power I needed to push through,” she shared, her voice reflecting both relief and gratitude.
Her coach, Vijay Sharma, also played a central role in helping her rebuild after Paris. “We focused only on what we could control — training, strength, and positivity,” Chanu explained. For her, this medal is less about glory and more about peace of mind: “This gold has given me the satisfaction that I am exactly where I want to be.”
Lessons Beyond the Podium
At 31, Mirabai is not just an athlete but also a mentor figure for countless young dreamers. She offers her wisdom simply: “There are days when you feel like giving up, but that’s when you must look deeper within yourself and find strength. Never lose hope, and never give up.”
From Firewood to Gold
Mirabai’s journey has been one of resilience. From carrying firewood in her village of Nongpok Kakching in Manipur to carrying India’s Olympic hopes on her shoulders, she has shown what determination looks like. In 2021, she donned another role — as the Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) in the Manipur Police. For her, that uniform is more than a title. It is a tribute to her parents, who sacrificed everything for her dream.
“This uniform is a proud moment for my family,” she says. “It’s a reminder that our struggles turned into strength and our dreams into reality.”
A Daughter of India
Today, Mirabai stands tall — not only as a champion weightlifter but as a symbol of resilience, courage, and inspiration. Her story is a reminder that even after setbacks, comebacks are possible. With every lift, she doesn’t just raise weights — she lifts the spirit of a nation.