Mirabai Chanu Eyes Elusive Asian Games Medal
An Olympic silver, a world championship title and multiple Commonwealth Games gold medals already feature in Mirabai Chanu’s decorated career, but an Asian Games medal remains conspicuously absent.
The star Indian weightlifter will look to complete her collection when she competes in the women’s 49kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Wednesday.
Chanu enters the competition with China’s lifters absent, potentially improving her chances of finally making the Asian Games podium. However, reigning world and Asian Games champion Ri Song Gum of North Korea remains the biggest obstacle in her pursuit of gold.
Mirabai Chanu’s Asian Games Medal Wait
The 32-year-old Manipuri has endured a difficult journey at the Asian Games.
She finished ninth on her debut in 2014 before missing the 2018 edition because of a back injury. At the 2023 Hangzhou Games, Chanu came fourth after suffering a hip injury while competing.
The Indian has since made the Asian Games a major target, working closely with chief coach Vijay Sharma.
Even after winning gold at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Chanu returned to training the very next day as she continued preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
“The focus is on to win a medal at the Asian Games. That’s been the aim for a very long time. It is the only medal I don’t have,” Chanu had told PTI.
Chanu Targets 90kg Snatch
Chanu’s preparations have also involved pushing her limits in competition.
The Indian has been chasing a 90kg snatch for the last six years and hopes to achieve the landmark lift at the Asian Games.
“You can’t really predict how the body will perform on a given day but I will try to get 90kg in the Asian Games for sure,” she had said.
A successful 90kg lift would add another significant milestone to Chanu’s already impressive career.
Ri Song Gum Biggest Challenge
Chanu’s Asian Games medal quest, however, will not be straightforward.
Ri Song Gum has established herself as the lifter to beat in the 49kg category after winning both the world and Asian Games titles. Chanu will also have to manage the physical demands of a major competition that could potentially be her final Asian Games appearance.
South Korea’s Jaegyeong Shin, Chinese Taipei’s Fang Wan-ling and Thailand’s Suthasini Kaeosingkhon are among the other lifters who could challenge for the podium.
For Chanu, the target is clear: end a decade-long wait for an Asian Games medal and add the missing piece to an already glittering international career.
