Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu is set to miss the upcoming Weightlifting World Championships in Manama, Bahrain, as she continues her rehabilitation. The 30-year-old former world champion has not competed since her fourth-place finish in the women’s 49kg category at the Paris Olympics in August 2024.
Mirabai Chanu’s recovery
Chanu is still undergoing rehabilitation after the Paris Olympics. She had been in a race against time to recover for the Paris Games after suffering a hip injury at the Asian Games last year. Despite her determination, her fitness was a concern even during the Olympics.
Chief national coach Vijay Sharma emphasized the importance of Chanu’s full recovery, as preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games need to begin soon. Sharma stated, “It is important for her to recover well as we will need to begin preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.”
🚨 Update on Mirabai Chanu
Ace Indian weightlifter and Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu will not participate in the upcoming Weightlifting World Championships in Bahrain 🇧🇭 as she focuses on her rehabilitation.
Mirabai, who last competed at the Paris Olympics, is… pic.twitter.com/CkxB4MekLn
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) November 27, 2024
In Chanu’s absence, Commonwealth Championship gold medallist Gyaneshwari Yadav will lead the Indian challenge at the World Championships, starting on December 6. The 21-year-old will compete in the 49kg weight class. Commonwealth Games silver medallist Bindyarani Devi (55kg) and national championship and Khelo India Weightlifting League gold winner Ditimoni Sonowal (64kg) are the other two Indian lifters competing at the world event.
Sharma expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, saying, “The new generation of lifters is emerging, and they’re performing well. This is an opportunity for them to compete against the world’s best.”
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