Mirabai Chanu has unfinished business, says weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma
New Delhi, Sept. 18: Mirabai Chanu still has a lot of weightlifting left in her, said veteran weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, finished fourth at the Paris Olympics last month, missing a bronze medal by the barest of margins in women’s 49kg category. Speaking on the sidelines of the ASMITA women’s weightlifting league in Modinagar last week, Sharma, who has been working with Mirabai since 2014, said: “After Paris, we both discussed the future and decided that Mirabai must continue in competitive weightlifting,” said Dronacharya-winning Sharma to SAI Media. In a tight four-way competition at Paris, Mirabai was edged out by Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao of Thailand for the bronze medal. Khambao lifted a total of 200 kgs (88 snatch + 112 kg clean and jerk) to Mirabai’s 199 (88 + 111) kgs. China’s Hou Zhihui (206 kgs) defended her Tokyo Olympics gold while reigning European champion Mihaela Cambei of Romania (205 kgs) won the silver. “I have been working with Mirabai since 2014 and she is a very disciplined athlete. Mirabai finished fourth in Paris and we both feel that there is some more work to do. We are looking at the next Commonwealth Games (in 2026) and the Asian Games (in 2026 Nagoya, Japan). An Asian Games medal is missing from her cabinet and we will give it all to secure that,” 54-year-old Sharma, who is developing a weightlifting facility in Modinagar, said. The Hangzhou Asian Games held in 2023 turned out to be a nightmare for Mirabai. Within sniffing distance of a maiden Asian Games medal, the 29-year-old Manipuri lifter injured her hip and was out for five months. She made a splendid recovery and made it to Paris Olympics as a medal hope. “I did my best and was happy to finish where I did after coming back from the injury,” Mirabai said, adding that she was somewhat handicapped by her menstrual cycle. “It is part of the game in women’s sport,” said Sharma. Saying that league like ASMITA have created a good space for women to pursue a sports career, the national coach said India’s weightlifting future depended how well women worked hard. “In India, women’s weightlifting has a bright future. You have seen how Karnam Maleshwari won an Olympic medal in 2000, then Mirabai Chanu in 2020…I have been in weightlifting for 25 years, I can emphatically say that only women can win us Olympic medals in 2028 and 2032. Men have to really work very hard to come up to Olympic expectations.” ABOUT ASMITA ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) is part of Khelo India’s initiative to promote sports among women through leagues and competition. As such, the Sports Authority of India supports National Sports Federations to conduct Khelo India women’s leagues across multiple age groups at both zonal and national levels. ASMITA leagues not only aim to increase the participation of women in sports but to utilise the leagues as a platform for identification of new talent across the length and breadth of India.
Paris 2024: Prize Money To Be Received By Medal Winners
The Paris Olympics 2024 has taken the world by storm. The contestants and the teams are in a rush for gold. The coaches have been on the edge of their seats. The fans have been in anticipation, backing their countries to bag gold. Excitement Builds for Paris 2024 As the world gathers for the Paris Olympics 2024, there’s an electric buzz in the air. Athletes, coaches, and fans are all on edge, hoping for moments of triumph. For Indian athletes, this isn’t just about chasing sporting glory; it’s also about the chance to transform their lives financially. The impact of winning an Olympic medal can be especially profound for athletes from smaller nations and less developed economies. Rewards for Tokyo 2020 Team India Medalists Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal in javelin throw not only made history but also earned him a whopping Rs 6 crore from the Haryana government. Indian medalists received various accolades and financial support from their state governments, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and private companies. Mirabai Chanu, who won silver in weightlifting, was awarded Rs 1 crore by Manipur, while Ravi Kumar Dahiya received Rs 4 crore from Haryana for his silver in wrestling. PV Sindhu and Lovlina Borgohain, who both won bronze, were also rewarded handsomely by their states, Telangana and Assam respectively. Bajrang Punia, another bronze medalist, received Rs 25 lakh from Haryana. Also read about Indian athletes and their net worth here. Support from Central and Private Entities In addition to these state rewards, the central government also pitched in, offering Rs 75 lakh for gold, Rs 50 lakh for silver, and Rs 30 lakh for bronze. The IOA matched these efforts, giving Rs 75 lakh for gold, Rs 40 lakh for silver and Rs 25 lakh for bronze. The BCCI recognized Neeraj Chopra’s achievement with Rs 1 crore and other medalists received decent amounts too. Ed-tech firm BYJU’S added to the joy, gifting Rs 2 crore to Neeraj and Rs 1 crore to other medalists. Anticipated Rewards for Paris 2024 Medalists As the Paris Olympics 2024 have begun, Indian athletes are hopeful for even greater rewards. The IOA has upped the ante, promising Rs 1 crore for gold medalists, Rs 75 lakh for silver, and Rs 50 lakh for bronze, in addition to what the Indian government will provide. However, specific state rewards are still awaited. International Cash Prizes and Organizers’ Recognition On the international front, the World Athletics and International Boxing Association have announced generous cash prizes of USD 50,000 (Rs 42 lakh) and USD 100,000 (Rs 84 lakh) for gold medalists in track and field and boxing, respectively. While the World Athletics has pioneered offering prize money, other sporting federations have yet to declare similar rewards. Despite the financial windfalls, the most immediate and visible prize for the athletes is still the medals themselves and the bouquet they receive on the podium. As team India athletes compete for their moment of glory, the Paris Olympics 2024 is set to be a celebration of not just athletic excellence but also life-changing rewards. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
