TOKYO: Mirabai Chanu finally won her first-ever Asian Games medal, ending India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the continental event.
Competing in her third Asian Games, Chanu lifted a total of 199kg (88kg + 111kg) to secure India’s first Asian Games weightlifting medal since Karnam Malleswari’s bronze in 1998.
Chanu had won gold in the 49kg category at the Commonwealth Games in July, but had to adjust her weight for the Asian Games.
> “Winning an Asian Games medal is a dream come true. I have been chasing this medal for the last 12 years, since the 2014 Asian Games. My life is complete now with this medal.”
Despite already being an Olympic medallist, Chanu said an Asian Games medal carries enormous significance because of the strength of Asian weightlifting.
