Kumar Bahukhandi
Mirabai Chanu at KITG Inauguration
IN short
- Tokyo Olympics Silver Medalist Mirabai Chanu Calls Khelo India Tribal Games a ‘Game-Changer’
- Switching Weight Categories Poses a Major Challenge Ahead of Commonwealth and Asian Games
Raipur : Speaking at the inauguration of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu addressed the biggest unfulfilled goal of her career: winning a medal at the Asian Games. She stated that this dream remains her top priority. A leading figure in Indian weightlifting for the past decade, Mirabai has won numerous medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games; however, an Asian Games medal has remained elusive so far.
She made her debut at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games at the age of 19, where she finished in ninth place. Subsequently, she was unable to participate in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games due to a back injury, while a hip injury left her dream unfulfilled during the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
The 31-year-old Mirabai remarked, “The Asian Games are extremely special to me. The level of competition there is exceptionally high, and that is precisely what makes it the most challenging event. My dream is to win a medal there.” However, the path to achieving this goal is not easy. Due to changes in regulations, she will have to strike a balance between the 48 kg and 49 kg weight categories. She is set to compete in the 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, while she will compete in the 49 kg category at the Asian Games, to be held in Nagoya (Japan) from September 19 to October 4.
She explained, “I will compete in the 48 kg category leading up to the Commonwealth Games; however, for the Asian Games, I will have to transition back to the 49 kg category—a task that presents a significant challenge.” Mirabai recently delivered a spectacular performance at the National Weightlifting Championships, setting three new national records in the 48 kg category. Lifting 89 kg in the Snatch and 116 kg in the Clean and Jerk, she secured the gold medal with a total lift of 205 kg—marking the best performance of her career.
On this occasion, she lauded the Khelo India Tribal Games, stating that this event would prove to be a significant platform for athletes hailing from the country’s remote and tribal regions. She remarked that such events provide talented athletes with an opportunity to come to the fore—particularly in the North-East and tribal areas, which possess immense talent but often lack adequate platforms.
Mirabai also commended the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), the Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, and the SAI Training Centres. According to her, these institutions are providing athletes with high-level training, nutrition, and facilities, thereby playing a pivotal role in propelling Indian sports to new heights.
