A New Chapter in Athlete Representation for Indian Weightlifting
Hyderabad |
Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has been elected Chairperson of the Indian Weightlifting Federation’s (IWLF) Athletes Commission, marking a new milestone in her journey, this time as a leader and voice for fellow athletes.
In an official statement, Mirabai expressed gratitude for the role, calling it an opportunity to stand for the interests and well-being of Indian weightlifters.
“It’s a matter of great pride to represent and uphold the voice of my fellow athletes. I take this responsibility seriously and will ensure that athlete concerns are heard across all key forums,” she said.
💪 A Champion Beyond the Podium
- Age: 30
- Olympics: 🥈 Silver, Tokyo 2020 (210 kg total lift)
- Commonwealth Games: 🥇 Golds in 2018 & 2022
- World Championships: 🥇 Gold (2017), 🥈 Silver (2022)
- CW Championships: 3 Golds, 1 Silver
- Yet to Win: An Asian Games medal
Mirabai is only the second Indian weightlifter ever to win an Olympic medal, and her consistency at the international level has made her one of India’s most celebrated sportspersons. Although she narrowly missed the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she attributed her performance challenges to menstrual cycle-related weakness, bringing attention to an often-overlooked topic in elite sports.
Mirabai’s appointment is more than symbolic — it marks a move toward athlete-led governance in Indian sports. With firsthand experience of international pressure, systemic challenges, and personal sacrifice, she’s uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between federations and athletes, and to advocate for supportive training, mental health awareness, and equal opportunity.
