New Delhi: Five years ago, at the Rio Olympics, Mirabai Chanu could not record even a valid elevator in the clean and jerk.
He broke down, depression soaked in.
But even in that situation, he did one thing right.
Mira didn’t give up.
He defeated depression, struggling with injury and today, did what he could not do in Rio – won the Olympic medal for the country, the first for India in Tokyo 2020.
Mirabai ended the legitimate round of 87kg.
In clean and jerk, he stated his first elevator to 110kg.
With the world record of C & J from 119kg on his name, most likely Mira did it.
But it still has to be done.
He went on stage, looked calm as usual, and got all three green lights, before loosening his grip on the iron bar.
It almost confirmed the silver.
He made a C & J score well with 115kg in the next effort and continued to add two more kilos to his last 117kg effort, but failed to register a clean elevator.
The total weight is 202kg, 8 kg behind the gold medalist.
Silver was for Mirabai, because Zhihui Hou China won gold with a joint record of the new Olympics 210kg.
Bronze went to Cantika Aisah of Indonesia to lift the combined weight of 194kg.
“It’s really a dream come true for me.
I want to dedicate this medal to my country and want to thank the billion prayers of all Indians, who with me during this trip,” Mira said after a second standing on the podium and gave India The 29th Olympic medal overall.
(Photo of PTI) He is the only Indian after Karnam Malleswari (Bronze, Sydney 2000) to win the Olympic medal for India in weightlifting.
“I want to thank my family, especially my mother for sacrifice and to believe in me.
Also special thanks to our government to support me – Ministry of Sports, Indian Sports Authority, Indian Olympic Association, Indian Teaching Federation, Train, Olympic gold quests, sponsors and marketing agencies I am iOS for their sustainable support.
“(Photo of PTI) month before the Tokyo game scheduled, Mira was sent to the US to work on her back, under the treatment of the former American weight lifting-turned physiotherapist Aaron Horschig.
“I want to give special thanks to my coach Vijay Sharma sir and support staff for hard work, motivation, and training they are continuous.” He further said.
(Photo of PTI) Sharma, his old coach, both happy, especially looking back during the locking phase that had left Mirabai without practicing and locked in his room at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.
“The spirit of his battle cannot be trusted.
Despite facing injury for some time, he made a strong comeback,” Sharma said.
“I have worked with him for the past eight years and I always like his dedication to sports that encourage coaches and staff to work hard.” Sharma said after the silver medal was won in Tokyo.
(Photo of Ani) “I am very proud of my student Mira.
This medal is the result of his dedication, hard work and passion.
This is a proud moment for me and the whole nation we have won the silver medal for our country,” he added.
It was Sharma who made a decision to fly Mirabai to the United States and made him rated by Dr.
Horschig.
“This is not the end.
We will continue to work hard and bring more victories for our nation,” the coach concluded.
In the recent interview with TimesOfindia.com, 2000 Olympic Sydney bronze medal Karnam Malleswari said that Mirabai has increased a lot since the sightseeing in the Rio game five years ago and that he believes Mira will return from Tokyo.
Prophetic words that prove true on Saturday in Tokyo.