Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, hailing from Manipur, is one of India’s most accomplished weightlifters. She gained international recognition after clinching a silver medal in the women’s 49 kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Indian weightlifter to achieve this historic feat. Olympic medal since 2000. Her strength was evident from a young age, impressing her family by carrying heavy loads of firewood with ease. Despite limited resources, Chanu trained with grit and determination, often traveling long distances to practice, and eventually earned national and international recognition.

Her notable achievements include winning gold at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she set a new Games record. She also secured a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and holds the Olympic record in the clean and jerk category. In recognition of her contributions to Indian sports, Chanu has been honored with the Padma Shri and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.In 2022, she was honored with the title of BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year. As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her story continues to inspire millions across India.