"Made Us & The Whole Country Proud": Chanu's Parents React To Her Olympic Silver

Mirabai Chanu parents react to her win: Saikhom Tombi and Saikhom Kriti are leading the cheers as the country celebrates their daughter Mirabai Chanu's silver victory at the Tokyo Olympics. The 26-year-old Saturday bagged India's first medal in the summer games, opening the tally for the country's wins on day one.

"We're happy that she got the first medal for India," Chanu's parents, based in Manipur, said. Though they said they expected gold, they were "happy that she won the silver medal. She has made us and the whole country proud of her."

The only woman weightlifter from India this year at the Olympics, Chanu came second in the women's weightlifting 49 kg category, following a lift of total 202 kg (115 in clean and jerk and 87 in snatch). China’s Zhihu Hou clinched gold with a record lift of 210 kg. Cantika Aisah from Indonesia won bronze with 194 kg. Follow updates here.

After Silver Medal, Mirabai Chanu Parents In Manipur Elated

Chanu has traced a tough, inspiring journey, from being a young firewood collector supporting her parents at work in the Nongpok Kakching village to an ace weightlifter who now stands as an Olympic icon for girls watching her realise her sporting aspirations.

Videos from Chanu's home state of Manipur today showed jubilated reactions from her family, neighbourhood and children who witnessed her pick silver for the country. Watch here.

In a note on social media, posted soon after her silver win, Chanu issued special thanks for her family, "especially my mother for a lot of sacrifices and believing in me."

I am really happy on winning silver medal in #Tokyo2020 for my country 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gPtdhpA28z

— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) July 24, 2021

Having previously stated she tried her best for gold but settled for silver, Chanu in her note

I am really happy on winning silver medal in #Tokyo2020 for my country 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gPtdhpA28z

— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) July 24, 2021 "Its really a dream come true for me. I would like to dedicate this medal to my country and would like to thank the billion prayers of all Indians which were with me during this journey."

Image: Mirabai Chanu, Instagram

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