Glasgow: Failed in Glasgow 2014. Gold Coast, Birmingham after Glasgow Commonwealth Games (Commonwealth Games). Mirabai Chanu won gold in three consecutive Commonwealth Games. After winning the gold in the 48 kg category, Chanu says, ‘I am very happy to have won gold for the third time for the country. Many things were going on in our minds. My main target is the Asian Games, which is just around the corner. So in Glasgow I didn’t risk putting in 100% of my energy or trying too hard. I played the tournament with a plan accordingly.’

He also said, ‘I was devastated after failing in the Rio Olympics. I went through a very difficult time mentally. But I knew I had to turn around. I would like to say to girls from Manipur or any part of the country, no dream is too big. There may be lack of facilities or infrastructure, but if there is willpower and dedication, any adversity can be overcome. Girls should have the courage to choose sports as a career.’

Mirabai Chanu won silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Chanu has won three golds and one silver at the Commonwealth Games so far. He said, ‘My family, especially my mother, has contributed a lot to where I am today. Early in life I used to get lifts from truck drivers and go to training. I am grateful to my coaches and physios who have always stood by me, encouraged me to recover quickly from injuries and get back into practice.’

Earlier Mirabai Chanu won silver in Tokyo Olympics. Chanu became the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Moleswari to win a medal at the Olympics. He narrowly missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics. She finished fourth in the women’s 49 kg category. However, Mirabai Chanu was the only claimant to win gold in the Commonwealth. He fulfilled that goal. He won silver in the 48 kg category.