Mirabai Chanu was clearly competing in a league of her own as she opened India's gold medal account at the ongoing Birmingham Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 with a record-breaking display. Mirabai created a CWG record with her 88kg snatch lift. She achieved a personal best as well but rued not getting for her goal of 90 kg.
“It was not a competition against the other opponents, and I was only competing with myself and did not have to fight much. Everybody knows that the Commonwealth Games is easy for me but I wanted to give it my personal best,” Mirabai said in an exclusive chat with India Today after winning the gold medal in 49 kg category.
“My target in this competition was to better my 'snatch' game, since it is a weak point of mine. So, after we came back from Tokyo, we worked a lot on it. I am very happy that I was able to touch 88kgs. I have touched 90 in practice, but it did not happen today. However, I am very happy with my performance,” she further added.
Mirabai lifted a total of 201 kg which is just one less than her silver medal-winning total at Tokyo Olympics 2020.
“After coming back from the Olympic, I could not get a lot of training, but my focus was on technique and conditioning. My total might have been lower than the Olympic but I am in course for my World Championship target which is later scheduled to be held in December,” the 27-year-old said.
“I want to cross 90kgs in snatch,” she revealed her ultimate goal.
“I am very happy, and I want to thank India for praying for me and wishing me the best,” Mirabai concluded.
Mirabai was far ahead of the competition as the silver medal-winning total at the event was 172 kg. None of her opponents attempted the weight Mirabai started with – 84 kg in snatch and 109 kg in clean and jerk.
