Mirabai Chanu's Olympic Pizza Celebration Now a Distant Memory as She Prepares for Asian Games
RAIPUR: Mirabai Chanu, the celebrated Indian weightlifter who famously marked her Olympic silver medal win in Tokyo with a pizza, is now maintaining a strict distance from such indulgences. As she gears up for the Asian Games scheduled later this year, not only pizza but also her beloved Manipuri local cuisine has been completely removed from her menu. This rigorous dietary discipline is essential for her to compete effectively in the demanding 48kg weight category.
Disciplined Diet and Weight Management for Peak Performance
"For the 48kg category, I have to keep my weight around 49-49.5kg during training, which requires even more discipline than before," Chanu stated during the sidelines of the Khelo India Tribal Games opening ceremony held here on Wednesday. She emphasized that every aspect of her nutrition is meticulously monitored. "What we eat and how much we eat—everything has to be monitored. We have to choose the right balance of protein and carbohydrates and reduce our portions accordingly."
Although Chanu secured her Olympic medal in the 49kg category, she has been actively competing in the 48kg category since last year. She plans to continue in this weight class for the upcoming Asian Championships and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, scheduled from July 23 to August 2. However, a strategic shift awaits her as she will need to transition to the 49kg category for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, taking place from September 19 to October 4.
Confidence from Record-Setting Performance and Upcoming Challenges
This weight management challenge is daunting, but Chanu draws confidence from her impressive performance at the nationals, where she lifted a total of 205kg. "I had previously lifted a total of 205kg. After many years, making this comeback gives me a lot of self-belief and confidence that I can deliver the same performance in upcoming competitions," explained the Manipur-born athlete.
Her immediate test will be the Asian Championships in Ahmedabad, which was rescheduled to May due to recent crises in West Asia. Chanu remains optimistic about replicating her stellar performance there. However, the journey has not been without its setbacks. Missing the podium at the Paris Olympics by a mere two kilograms was a heartbreaking experience for her. Despite this, she has found strength in the unwavering support from her mother, long-time coach Vijay Sharma, and the entire coaching team.
Mental Resilience and Mentoring the Next Generation
Chanu, who currently trains at the Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modi Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, also mentors approximately 50 young aspiring weightlifters. She shared her approach to maintaining mental fortitude: "Still there are days when training doesn't go well. In those moments, I talk to myself. If today was good, how can I make it even better? If it was bad, I try to understand what went wrong and tell myself I'll be ready again tomorrow. That's how I maintain my mindset."
Despite the disappointment in Paris, Chanu does not dwell on it and continues to view competing at such prestigious events as a significant achievement. This perspective fuels her advocacy for initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games. "There are many talented players in villages who want to come up and do something for the country, their state, and their families, but they face several challenges. There is lack of equipment, family issues, and limited opportunities. Because of this, many dreams remain unfulfilled," she noted.
"But with platforms like the Khelo India Tribal Games, things are changing. It gives them motivation and belief that they too can succeed." Only time will reveal if any participants from these games will rise to prominence like Chanu, but for now, their achievements are celebrated as they aspire to gain recognition and secure opportunities for advanced training.
