Mirabai Chanu, the Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, says she treats pressure as a performance catalyst rather than a burden — a mindset that has helped her deliver consistently for India on the world's biggest stages. Her remarks came as Team India continued a strong campaign at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with medals flowing in across weightlifting, athletics, boxing, and para sport.

Mirabai's Mindset

'I have always believed that pressure cannot weigh me down. When I compete for India, I use pressure as a catalyst to improve my performance. Mental strength and pressure are closely linked, so I actually love pressure,' Mirabai said. Her philosophy reflects a broader pattern visible across India's medal-winning athletes in Glasgow, where mental fortitude has proved as decisive as physical conditioning.

Voices From the Athletes

High jumper Sarvesh Kushare, who claimed silver against a competitive field in difficult weather, said learning to enjoy pressure has transformed his performances. 'There was pressure because the field was very competitive and the weather was cold. But I embraced it. Tejaswin Shankar was there motivating me, and I have done well in three major competitions this month because I have learnt to enjoy pressure,' Kushare said.

Olympic medallist and boxer Lovlina Borgohain — who has already secured a medal and remains in contention for gold — said mastering pressure has been central to her growth. 'I have learnt to accept pressure as part of the process. From the beginning of my career, I knew that if I wanted to perform at the highest level, I had to master pressure,' she said.

For Neeraj Chopra, Olympic and world champion, the weight of expectation has never faded despite years at the top. 'Even after all these years, representing India still brings pressure. It doesn't matter which stadium I compete in; there are always expectations and different conditions. But I never see pressure as something that weighs me down. I see it as a positive force that lifts me,' Chopra said.

Unique Coping Strategies

Weightlifting silver medallist Gyaneshwari Yadav draws her composure from spirituality. 'I read the Bhagavad Gita before competition. It keeps me calm and helps me compete confidently, even in a high-pressure environment,' she said. The varied personal rituals across the squad underline that there is no single formula — only a shared commitment to not letting pressure become paralysis.

IOA Chief P.T. Usha's Perspective

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha, herself one of India's most celebrated athletes, offered a broader framing. 'Pressure is part of elite sport. Every athlete feels it, whether they are competing for the first time or are an Olympic champion. The key is to trust your preparation, stay focused on your process and never allow expectations to distract you from your performance. Champions are not those who avoid pressure, but those who learn to perform through it,' Usha said.

India's Campaign in Glasgow

India's podium tally in Glasgow has spanned weightlifting, athletics, boxing, and para sport, reflecting a well-rounded preparation cycle. Notably, this collective mental resolve has emerged as a defining thread — athletes from different disciplines and backgrounds converging on the same belief that the ability to embrace high-stakes moments, not just train for them, separates medal-winners from the rest. The campaign is ongoing, with several athletes still in contention for higher finishes.