Mirabai Chanu ended up with the silver medal around her neck in the 49kg weightlifting category at the Tokyo Olympics
Day one of the Tokyo Olympics couldn’t have unravelled in a more pristine fashion for India. The opening exchanges of the marquee games saw India win their first medal as Mirabai Chanu brought home a silver medal for the country.
And it was a special win as well with the weightlifter winning India’s first ever silver medal in weightlifting at the games. Mirabai Chanu who was partaking in the 49kg category of weightlifting as she lifted 87kg in snatch and 115kg in the Clean and Jerk event.
Tokyo Olympics Live: Mirabai Chanu Creates History With Silver In Weightlifting
It saw her record a total score of 202 to create history for the country. Mirabai Chanu had previously this year created the world record in the Clean and Jerk category in her category with a sensational 119kg lift.
China’s Hou Zhihui won the gold medal meanwhile whilst the bronze went to Indonesia. Hou created two Olympic records as he lifted 94kg in the snatch event whilst a staggering 116kg in the Clean and Jerk.
Mirabai Chanu’s record to the silver saw her record 84kg and 87kg in her first and second snatch attempts before she went onto falter as he tried to lift 89kg. The Clean and Jerk events meanwhile saw her pull off lifts of 110kg and 115kg subsequently.
India strikes first medal at Olympic #Tokyo2020
Mirabai Chanu wins silver Medal in 49 kg Women's Weightlifting and made India proud🇮🇳
Congratulations @mirabai_chanu ! #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/NCDqjgdSGe— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 24, 2021
Ever since her triumph, Mirabai Chanu has been serenaded with a raft of congratulatory messages. From the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to a string of ministers in the Indian government and the entire country, Mirabai has been hailed for lifting the country’s flag high and opening its medal tally at the ongoing games in Tokyo.
“Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by @mirabai_chanu’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian. #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/B6uJtDlaJo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2021
Mirabai Chanu became only the second female weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari to win an Olympic weightlifting medal with Malleswari winning a bronze for the country in Sydney in 2000.
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