Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu became the only Indian weightlifter to qualify for the Paris Olympics this year after competing successfully at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand on Monday (April 1).
The 29-year-old from Manipur finished third in Group B of the women’s 49kg (and 11th overall) at the event to book her place at the 2024 Paris Games.
Chanu, who made a comeback from a six-month injury lay-off, lifted a total of 184kg at the World Cup, which is the final and a compulsory qualifier for Paris 2024.
Chanu was far from her best 88 kg in snatch and 119 kg in clean & jerk, but managed to lift a total of 184kg (81kg+103kg) with five clean lifts.
The official announcement for the qualification will come after the conclusion of the World Cup.
The top 10 lifters from each weight class will qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Chanu, who suffered a hip tendonitis injury at the Asian Games, said in a media release, “It feels incredible to come back after an injury. Almost every lift I made today felt clean, clear, and powerful, and I’m leaving this competition feeling strong and confident. The rehabilitation was tough and demanding, but with the support of everyone involved in my rehab and recovery, I pushed through all the complications. The journey to get here required relentless dedication and hard work, and I couldn’t be happier being back on the ramp – lifting and competing for my country.”
“The goal was to secure my spot for the Paris Olympics, and now that I am almost through for the Paris Olympics, all my attention is on making a mark at the Paris Olympics,” she added.
