Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Early Life Childhood, Family & Hometown of India’s Weightlifting Star
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, born on August 8, 1994, in the small village of Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, has become a shining symbol of determination and strength in Indian sports. Known globally as an Olympic medallist, Padma Shri awardee, and world champion weightlifter, she represents the power of persistence against all odds. Coming from a humble family background, Mirabai’s story is one of grit, hard work, and an unshakable belief in herself.
The youngest among six siblings, Mirabai grew up in a modest household. Her father, Saikhom Kriti Meitei, worked as a construction worker in the Public Works Department, while her mother, Saikhom Tombi Devi, ran a small tea shop. With limited means, her family often struggled financially, and Mirabai, along with her siblings, would help by collecting firewood from the forest. It was during one such trip that her natural strength became evident. At just 12 years old, she effortlessly lifted a heavy bundle of firewood that her elder brother could not, marking the beginning of a destiny that would one day make India proud on the Olympic stage.
Interestingly, Mirabai was initially drawn to archery, admiring the sport’s neatness and elegance. However, fate had different plans. During a visit to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Imphal, she came across weightlifters in action and felt an instant connection with the intensity of the sport. Inspired further by Kunjarani Devi, the legendary Manipuri weightlifter and world champion, Mirabai switched her focus entirely to weightlifting.
In the early days, Mirabai lacked proper facilities and had to train with makeshift equipment like bamboo trunks used as barbells. Later, under the guidance of her first coach, Anita Chanu, she began her formal training. Despite the daily 40km travel to reach her training center, Mirabai remained committed, hitchhiking trucks and buses just to practice. Within a short time, her dedication began to show results as she started winning medals at state and junior national levels.
Her journey from a small village girl lifting firewood to a future world champion weightlifter is a story that continues to inspire millions of Indians. In this first lesson, we explore her early struggles, family sacrifices, and the humble beginnings that shaped her remarkable journey
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Weightlifting Journey: Training, Struggles & Rise to National Fame
The world began to recognize Mirabai Chanu as one of the finest weightlifters after her gold at the 2017 World Championships, but her defining moment came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Carrying the weight of a billion hopes, she delivered a silver medal in the women’s 49kg category, lifting a combined 202kg. This made her the first Indian weightlifter to win an Olympic silver medal and only the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in the sport.
Mirabai’s consistency was remarkable. She successfully defended her title at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, setting a new Games record in Birmingham with a total lift of 201kg. She also made history at the 2020 Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, by lifting 119kg in clean and jerk to set a new world record.
Despite battling injuries, Mirabai continued to shine at the international stage, winning silver at the 2022 World Championships in Bogota and finishing fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, narrowly missing another medal.
This lesson highlights her Olympic journey, her role as the face of Indian weightlifting, and how she turned failures into historic milestones for the nation
Mirabai Chanu Triumphs at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships
Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu marked a spectacular return to the competitive arena by clinching the gold medal at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Ahmedabad. Competing in the newly introduced 48 kg category, Chanu showcased her prowess by lifting a total of 193 kg—comprising 84 kg in the snatch and 109 kg in the clean and jerk. This remarkable performance not only secured her the top podium spot but also set new Commonwealth Championship records in all three segments: snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift .News on Air
The victory holds significant importance as it guarantees Chanu’s direct qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, providing her with ample time to prepare for the upcoming World Championships in October . Reflecting on her achievement, Chanu expressed immense joy, attributing her success to relentless hard work, the guidance of her coaches, and the unwavering support of her nation. This triumph not only underscores her resilience and dedication but also reinforces her status as one of India’s premier weightlifters on the global stage.Current Affairs Usthadian Academy
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Clinches Gold at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 (Ahmedabad)
| Year | Event | Event Highlight | Venue | Category | Snatch (kg) | Clean & Jerk (kg) | Total Lift (kg) | Rank / Medal | Qualification Secured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Summer Olympics | - | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 48 kg | 82, 82, 84 | 103, 106, 106 | DNF | ― | - |
| 2020 | Summer Olympics | - | Tokyo, Japan | 49 kg | 84, 87, 89 | 110, 115, 117 | 202 | 2nd Place, Silver Medal | - |
| 2024 | Summer Olympics | - | Paris, France | 49 kg | 85, 88, 88 | 111, 111, 114 | 199 | 4th Place | - |
| 2017 | World Championships | First World Title in 22 Years | USA, Anaheim | 48 kg | 83, 85, 85 | 103, 107, 109 | 194 | 1st Place, Gold Medal | - |
| 2019 | World Championships | - | Thailand, Pattaya | 49 kg | 84, 87, 89 | 111, 114, 118 | 201 | 4th Place | - |
| 2022 | World Championships | Second World Medal | Colombia, Bogotá | 49 kg | 84, 87, 87 | 111, 111, 113 | 200 | 2nd Place, Silver Medal | - |
| 2014 | Commonwealth Games | - | Glasgow, Scotland | 48 kg | 72, 75, 75 | 92, 95, 98 | 170 | 2nd Place, Silver Medal | - |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games | - | Gold Coast, Australia | 48 kg | 80, 84, 86 | 103, 107, 110 | 196 | 1st Place, Gold Medal | - |
| 2025 | Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships | Golden Triumph in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad, India | Women’s 48kg | 84 kg (New Record) | 109 kg (New Record) | 193 kg (New Record) | 1st Place, Gold Medal | 2026 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow |
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu: Personal Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saikhom Mirabai Chanu |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Nongpok Kakching, Imphal East, Manipur, India |
| Height | 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) |
| Weight | 49 kg (108 lbs) |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Ethnicity | Meitei (Manipuri) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Occupation | Weightlifter, Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports), Manipur Police |
| Coach | Vijay Sharma |
| Affiliation | Manipur Police |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2018), Khel Ratna Award (2018) |
Family Background Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Carents
Family Background
| Relation | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Saikhom Kriti Meitei | Construction worker |
| Mother | Saikhom Ongbi Tombi Leima | Ran a roadside tea stall |
| Brother | Saikhom Sanatomba Meitei | Older brother |
| Sister | Saikhom Rangita | Older sister |
| Siblings | 2 older sisters, 1 older brother | Total of six siblings, Mirabai being the youngest |
Career Highlights
| Event | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2014 Commonwealth Games | Silver Medal in 48 kg category |
| 2017 World Championships | Gold Medal in 48 kg category |
| 2018 Commonwealth Games | Gold Medal in 48 kg category, setting a new Games record |
| 2020 Tokyo Olympics | Silver Medal in 49 kg category, setting a new Olympic record in clean & jerk |
| 2022 Commonwealth Games | Gold Medal in 49 kg category, setting a new Games record |
| Platform | Profile / Link | Followers | Following | Notes / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mirabai_chanu | 798K | 176 | Olympic Silver Medallist – Tokyo 2020. Queries: rahul@iosindia.com | |
| Instagram (Alt) | Saikhom Mirabai Chanu | 293K | 3 | Personal / Fan Account |
| Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Official | – | – | Official FB Page – Indian Weightlifter, 48kg category, Padma Shri awardee, World Champion, CWG Gold Medalist | |
| smirabaichanu@gmail.com | – | – | Official contact for sponsorship, media, or collaboration inquiries |
