Mirabai Chanu won India's first Olympic medal in Tokyo in 2020

 

On Day 1 of the Tokyo Olympics, Mirabai Chanu gave India the perfect start by winning the country's first weightlifting silver in the 49kg division. The 26-year-old broke India's 21-year drought for an Olympic weightlifting medal on Saturday, giving the country its first medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

In her first snatch attempt, the Manipuri took her time and neatly hurled the barbell, trying 84kg. She then lifted 87kg on her next try before increasing the weight to 89kg, which was one kilogram more than her personal best of 88kg from last year's national championship.

She was unable to beat her personal best and finished second in the snatch event with 87kg, trailing only leader Zhihui, who established a new Olympic record with a 94kg effort.

Mirabai was overcome with emotion after learning she had earned a prestigious silver medal in weightlifting. She danced to celebrate her podium finish, turning her tears of pleasure into joy.