“Honoring a true champion” - Indian Army recognizes Mirabai Chanu for her performance in Paris Olympics 2024
The Indian Army honored the Olympic weightlifting champion Mirabai Chanu at her home in Manipur on Monday, recognizing her incredible achievements for her incredible performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The Indian Army release stated that the ceremony was held as a mark of respect and admiration for Chanu’s dedication, hard work and contribution to the nation’s pride on the world stage.
The Indian Army took to X (formerly Twitter) to hail the incredible efforts put up by the weightlifter, hailing from Manipur.
“Honoring a true champion! #IndianArmy recognized the incredible achievements of @mirabai_chanu in #Manipur for her stellar performance in the #ParisOlympics2024. Her dedication & strength continue to inspire the nation,” tweeted PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland & South Arunachal.
A proud moment for Mirabai Chanu, her family and the entire state of Manipur
The Indian Army senior officials visited Mirabi Chanu’s residence to honor her with a special memento. It was a proud moment for Chanu, her family and the entire state of Manipur, which has been producing some outstanding athletes for the nation.
The official release went on to add that the Indian Army has constantly supported and encouraged sports and athletes who competed for India on the global stage.
"This recognition of Mirabai Chanu is part of the Army's broader commitment to celebrating and fostering sporting talent across the nation," the official statement read.
Mirabi Chanu missed out on a medal by a whisker, as she settled for the fourth-place finish in the women’s weightlifting 49kg event at the Paris Olympics 2024. She lifted a total weight of 199 kg, one kg short of Thailand's Surodchana Khambao, who finished as the bronze medalist. China’s Hou Zhihui defended her gold medal with a combined effort of 206kg.
It’s worth noting that Chanu secured the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, lifting a total weight of 202 kg. Mirabai Chanu also clinched the gold medal in the 49 kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham, England, lifting a total of 201 kg in snatch and clean and jerk.