Olympic medal was my only mission: Mirabai Chanu

Mirabai Chanu, who created history by winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, said at the honor ceremony organized by the Manipur government that winning an Olympic medal was her only mission. It is because of everyone’s love and affection that she was able to win the silver medal, so I dedicate this medal to all the people.

Chanu thanked his parents and expressed his gratitude to his first coaches, great weightlifters N Anita Chanu and Sansam Brozen, who guided him at a young age of 12. At the same time, he also thanked the Manipur Olympic Association for helping at every step.
“After my loss at the last Rio Olympics in 2016, I had to face a lot of lewd remarks. In Rio, I couldn’t handle the pressure I talked about. As a mission, I decided to dedicate my next five years to the practice, sacrificing all other activities. I was completely focused on training and during this time I had to recover from back and arm injuries due to heavy lifting. The treatment and training in America before the Olympics helped me. I thank the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister for being able to practice in the US. Getting a direct call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Biren Singh was like a dream.
On the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren Singh handed over an additional Rs 10 lakh to Chanu for setting a world record in clean and jerk including Rs 1 crore for winning silver medal as well as appointment letter for Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) in Manipur Police. handed over the copy to him. The Chief Minister then took them to his new office complex in Imphal and assured to organize a grand ceremony for all the Olympians after the outbreak of the corona pandemic subsided.

The Chief Minister said, I am waiting for a good news from Mary Kom. The nation is praying for him to win the gold medal. A grant of few lakh rupees will be given every year to the affiliated sports bodies of Manipur Olympic Association to help the new talent. Mirabai’s treatment and practice in America was important and if Manipur really becomes a National Sports University then we will not need to go to other countries for training.
State Sports Minister Letpao Haokip said that Mirabai proved her talent. We will have many more players because there is a lot of talent in the country and the state. Manipur Olympic Association President Radheshyam said that it is a proud moment for the entire country. He urged Mirabai to continue her hard work to win the gold medal in the next Olympics, as she is still young.

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu was earlier accorded a rousing welcome at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in her home state of Manipur, while Mirabai broke down after meeting her mother.

State Chief Minister N Biren Singh greeted Mirabai after welcoming her at the airport. Like Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International, the airport here too was thronged by media persons and sports enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of its heroine.

Chanu created a new history by winning a silver medal in the women’s 49kg category last Saturday. Mirabai wept bitterly while hugging her mother Saikhom Ongbi Tombi Lima and father Saikhom Kriti Matai. The security guards had formed a security cordon around them.
From the airport, she reached to participate in the felicitation ceremony organized by the Manipur government, which was organized by the Chief Minister.