Category – Article Topic – Mirabai Chanu : The Pride of the Country Regiment no.- WB/19/SWA/198611 Rank – Cadet Name – Soumita Sinha Unit – 51 Bengal BN NCC Unit Group – Burdwan Group Directorate – WB and Sikkim Directorate Institution – Jagannath Kishore College, Purulia Mirabai Chanu : The Pride of The Country A 26 years old, Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, (A native of ’s capital city , was born on August 8, 1994, in Imphal) who began lifting firewood as a child, is now one of ’s biggest weightlifting stars. The diminutive weightlifter, whose smile just refuses to go, brought India its first medal – a silver – from the Tokyo Olympic Games with a total lift of total 202 kg. (87 kg. + 115 kg.). It’s a first. Never ever has India won a medal on the first day the Olympic Games. A second too. Indian weightlifting got its first medal since won the Bronze at the Sydney Olympic 21 years ago. Medals :--- • Silver – 2020 Tokyo Olympics • Bronze – 2020 Asian Championships, Tashkent • Gold – 2018 , Gold Coast • Gold – 2017 World Championships, Anaheim • Silver – , Rio Debacle :--- Competing in the 48kg. Category, she failed to record a lift in any of her three attempts in the ‘Clean and Jerk’ section at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She had a single clear lift – 82kg. – in the ‘Snatch’ section earlier. Calm & Composed :–– Chanu suffered a lower back injury in 2018, making it impossible for her to compete in any of the events throughout the year. But, behind her infectious smile lies her determination and dedication to excel, to do away with the ghosts of Rio once for all. She made a remarkable comeback in 2019 in the World Championships in . Record :–– She holds the World record in the 49kg. ‘Clean and Jerk’ section–– a 119kg. lift at the Asian Championships, Tashkent, 2020. Awards :–– • Award (2018) • Padma Shri (2018)

Recently, N. Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, honoured Chanu and awarded her with a prize of 2 million rupees.

A big salute to you ma’am. You’re the inspiration of all Indians (Specially for girls).

––Jai Hind––