Mirabai Chanu Reflects on Triumph and Challenges After Meeting PM Modi
Chanu's Emotional Journey to Gold
PM Modi shares a light-hearted moment with CWG gold medallist Mirabai Chanu. (Photo: Media House)
New Delhi, Aug 10: Mirabai Chanu, who clinched a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, expressed that the encouraging words from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their recent meeting will inspire her to strive harder in future competitions.
Chanu, who excelled in the women’s 48kg weightlifting category in Glasgow, emphasized that her victory holds deeper meaning, especially after enduring a challenging four-year journey filled with injuries, family issues, and the heartbreak of narrowly missing a medal at the Paris Olympics.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Chanu thanked PM Modi for his unwavering support, stating, "Your encouragement during our interaction yesterday will undoubtedly motivate us to excel in our upcoming competitions."
During their meeting at the Prime Minister's residence, Modi inquired about the tears Chanu shed upon winning gold.
"You have made everyone proud. So many tears were falling. I feel like a gold medal is falling from every drop of tears," Modi remarked.
Reflecting on her emotional moment, Chanu, 32, shared that her tears symbolized the weight of her struggles over the past four years, particularly the disappointment of missing out on a medal in Paris by a mere kilogram.
"I was overwhelmed with happiness and emotion that day. I cried because I missed a medal in the Paris Olympics by just one kilogram. Athletes face numerous challenges, and I have encountered many in these four years," she explained.
Chanu also mentioned that recurring injuries and family challenges had made her journey even tougher.
"I was frequently injured and dealing with family issues. The last four years were incredibly tough," she added.
The importance of her Glasgow victory became evident as she recalled the moment she stood on the podium after her gold medal achievement.
"When I was on the podium, and our flag was raised while the national anthem played, I couldn't hold back my tears," she said.
During their conversation, Modi lightened the mood by feeding Chanu a laddu as they reminisced about her journey.
India secured fourth place in the overall medal tally at Glasgow, achieving a total of 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze, despite competing in a limited program that excluded several sports where the country has historically excelled.