New Delhi: Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu delivered a stunning performance to break her own multiple records at the National Weightlifting Championships on Wednesday. Delivering a statement performance, Chanu bettered three of her own national records while clinching the women’s 48kg title at the event.
The multiple-time world championship medallist registered a combined lift of 205 kg (89kg in snatch + 116kg in clean and jerk) to set a new national record in snatch, clean and jerk and total effort. After clinching the record, she said that she feels delighted to have won it as it has boosted her confidence.
‘I am delighted. This performance has boosted my confidence. Earlier, I was competing in 49kg, to be able to achieve this result in 48kg is great.’
‘I hope in the next competition I cross the 90kg mark. Today also I tried but since I had not had proper training I was not able to do it. But once the training is in full flow I’m sure I’ll lift 90kg,’ Chanu told news agency PTI.
Chanu never under threat of missing gold
Chanu was never under threat of missing out on a gold medal, as happens in domestic competitions and needed just two successful lifts each in the snatch and clean and jerk to seal the title. There was, however, a shift in strategy with India chief coach Vijay Sharma pushing her instead of adopting a conservative approach.
The 31-year-old opened with a higher-than-usual starting weight of 86kg in the snatch and 116kg in the clean and jerk. She responded confidently, clearing 86kg with ease before producing a flawless lift of 89kg. The effort improved upon her previous personal best snatch record of 88kg, set at the 2020 Nationals in the 49kg category.
With her performance, she is gearing up for a packed season this year which includes the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Championships.
(With PTI inputs)