Weightlifter Mirabai from Manipur lands in Tokyo

Our Correspondent
Imphal, July 18 (EMN): World champion weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu from Manipur has landed in Tokyo ahead of the Tokyo Olympics scheduled to begin from July 23.

Taking it to twitter, the Indian weightlifter Mirabai tweeted, “Finally reached our destination. #Tokyo2020 Games Village”.

Last month Mirabai Chanu qualified for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in Women’s 49 kg category and has been ranked second in the International Weightlifting Federation absolute ranking list in the 49 kg category released by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

Mirabai gathered 4133, 6172 robi points to come second behind Chinese Hou Zhihui (4926, 4422) in the rankings published by the IWF recently.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation sent Mirabai’s entry after the confirmation of her place from the ‘world’ quota.

Mirabai lifted a total of 205 kg, including a world record of 119 kg in clean and jerk, to secure a bronze medal in the Asian championships in April, and is considered a strong medal prospect in the Olympics.

On hearing the inclusion of Mirabai in the Indian contingent for Tokyo Olympics, the Manipur cabinet on June 23 extended a one-time cash incentive of INR 10 lakh to her, who had won India’s first gold in 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast in women’s 48 kg category.

Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla on Thursday conveyed her best wishes to the 119 Tokyo bound Indian Athletes who will be competing in 85 medal events in the Tokyo Olympics Games due to begin from July 23 to Aug. 8.