Asian Games Medal Still My Unfulfilled Dream: Mirabai Chanu

Raipur, March 26: Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu said that winning a medal at the Asian Games remains her biggest unfulfilled dream, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026. She described the event as a “game-changer” for athletes from tribal and remote regions.

A leading figure in Indian weightlifting for over a decade, Mirabai has won medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games. However, an Asian Games medal has eluded her so far. She made her debut at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games at the age of 19, finishing ninth. She missed the 2018 Jakarta edition due to a back injury, while a hip injury ruled her out of contention at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.

The 31-year-old said the Asian Games hold special significance for her due to the high level of competition. “The Asian Games are extremely important to me. The competition there is intense, which makes it the most challenging. My dream is to win a medal there,” she said.

However, achieving this goal will not be easy. Due to changes in weightlifting categories, she will need to balance between the 48 kg and 49 kg divisions. She is set to compete in the 48 kg category at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (July 23–August 2), and then shift back to the 49 kg category for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (September 19–October 4), which she described as a major challenge.

Mirabai recently delivered an outstanding performance at the National Weightlifting Championships, setting three new national records in the 48 kg category. She lifted 89 kg in snatch and 116 kg in clean and jerk for a total of 205 kg, securing a gold medal—her career-best performance.

Praising the Khelo India Tribal Games, she said the initiative provides a crucial platform for talented athletes, especially from the Northeast and tribal areas, where opportunities are often limited. She also lauded institutions like National Centres of Excellence and Sports Authority of India training centres for providing world-class training, nutrition, and facilities to athletes, helping elevate Indian sports to new heights.