Raipur, March 26 (NationPress) India's weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu has disclosed her tactical plan to navigate weight categories for significant global competitions. She intends to remain within the 48kg category for the Commonwealth Games, but will transition to the 49kg category shortly thereafter, as the Asian Games are set to occur within two months.

For over a decade, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has represented Indian weightlifting on the world stage. Throughout her career, she has secured a remarkable collection of medals, including a silver at the Tokyo Olympics, three medals from the World Championships, and three podium finishes at the Commonwealth Games. Despite her impressive accolades, one goal remains unachieved: a medal at the Asian Games.

Mirabai first participated in the continental event at the age of 19, finishing ninth at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta due to a back injury that impacted her training.

The closest she came to winning a medal was at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where a hip injury thwarted her hopes after she nearly clinched a podium position. This setback also sidelined her for nearly five months.

Now 31 years old, Mirabai has made a remarkable comeback and qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, narrowly missing out on a second consecutive Olympic medal. Since then, she has been dedicated to finally securing her first medal at the Asian Games.

“The Asian Games hold great significance for me because I have unfinished business there. The level of competition is extremely high, which adds to the challenge and excitement,” Mirabai stated at a press conference following the opening ceremony of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur.

A significant hurdle for Mirabai has been the adjustment of her weight category. Historically, she has competed in the 49kg division but must now adapt to changes in weight classes instituted by the International Weightlifting Federation.

Consequently, she will compete in the 48kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, before reverting to 49kg for another shot at an Asian Games medal at the upcoming event in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

“I will maintain my weight in the 48kg category until the Commonwealth Games, but within two months, I will switch back to 49kg for the Asian Games,” Mirabai explained.

She commenced her 2026 season impressively at the National Weightlifting Championships in February, breaking three national records in the women’s 48kg category.

At the Nationals, Mirabai lifted 89kg in the snatch—her best performance despite competing in a weight class below her usual 49kg division. She followed this with a successful lift of 116kg in clean and jerk, setting a national record in the women’s 48kg category, totaling 205kg and winning the gold medal.

This effort also matched her personal best total of 205kg in the 49kg category, previously achieved at the Asian Weightlifting Championships five years ago.

Mirabai, who regards her gold medal from the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships as even more significant than her Olympic silver from Tokyo 2020, applauded the launch of the Khelo India Tribal Games, calling it a vital platform for athletes from remote areas.

“This is a proud moment for me as an athlete to witness the government placing emphasis on various sports initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games. The KIBG will offer a platform for athletes from remote regions to showcase their talents. I have encountered numerous instances from across the country, particularly from the North-East and other tribal areas, where talent exists but has struggled to thrive due to a lack of platforms like the KITG,” she stated.

Additionally, Mirabai emphasized the contributions of the National Centres of Excellence and the Khelo India State Centres of Excellence along with SAI training centres throughout India in supporting elite athletes and fostering the next generation of talent.

“The NCOEs and Khelo India State Centres of Excellence have played a crucial role in providing world-class training facilities that have helped elite athletes maintain peak performance. Many young athletes are training in these centres, preparing for global competitions, and with consistent coaching, nutrition, and training environments, these centres are enhancing the sporting ecosystem,” she concluded.