Manipur's Mirabai Chanu secures first medal for India at Tokyo Olympics, dedicates medal to country
NEW DELHI:
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu from Manipur made India proud by securing the first medal for the country at the Tokyo Olympics, winning the silver medal in the women's 49-kilogram category. She lifted a total of 202 kilograms in the clean and jerk category.
Hou Zhihui of China won the gold lifting 210 kilograms creating an Olympic record.
"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. I like to thank my family especially my mother for a lot of sacrifices and believing in me. Also special thanks to our government for supporting me, Ministry of Sports, SAI, IOA, Weightlifting Federation of India, Railways, OGQ, sponsors and my marketing agency IOS for their continuous support in this journey. I would like to give special thanks to my coach Vijay Sharma sir and ssupport staff for their continuous hardwork, motivation and training. Thank you once again entire weightlifting fraternity and all my countrymen. JAI HIND," Mirabai tweeted.
From President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former AICC president Rahul Gandhi and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, congratulations and appreciation have poured in.
"Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting." - President Ram Nath Kovind.
"Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by @mirabai_chanu’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian. #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020" - PM Narendra Modi.
"So proud of @mirabai_chanu for clinching the silver medal in the Women's 49kg Weightlifting category at the #OlympicGames. Wishing you all the very best for your future endeavours" - Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
India’s 1st medal on day 1 ! @mirabai_chanu wins SILVER in women's 49kg weightlifting! Second place medalPerson lifting weights India Flag of India is so proud of you Mira! #TeamIndia #Tokyo2020." - Union sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur.
"Congratulations to #MirabaiChanu for our country’s first medal on the very first day. India is proud of her daughter." - Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
"What a day! What a win for India. Mirabai Chanu wins silver in Weightlifting Women's 49kg category, India open tally in Tokyo Olympics. You have made the country proud today. Bravo Clapping hands sign Clapping hands signClapping hands sign" - Manipur CM N Biren Singh.
Meanwhile, in Badminton, Chirag Shetty and Rankireddy have defeated Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin of Taipae 21-16, 16-21, 27-25 in a group 'A' men's doubles match. B. Sai Praneeth lost in men's single category to Zilbarman Misha in Group 'D' encounter.
Shooter Saurabh Chaudhary was placed at the 7th number in 10- metre Air Pistol finals.
In Table Tennis, Manika Batra cruised through the first round of women's singles with 11-7, 11-6, 12-10, 11-9 victory over Great Britain's Tin-Tin Ho.
In Archery, India's Deepika Kumari and Pravin Jadhav lost in the quarterfinal event mixed team event. The duo lost to South Korea's An San and Kim Jea Diok 6-2.
(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie)
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