She carried not just the weight of the barbell, but the hopes of a nation. After three years away from the World Championships podium, Mirabai Chanu roared back with a silver medal in Norway, ending India’s medal drought and proving once again why she remains the face of Indian weightlifting.
India’s weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu has once again proven why she remains the face of Indian weightlifting. Returning to the World Weightlifting Championships podium after three years, the 30-year-old star clinched the silver medal in the women’s 48kg category with an impressive combined lift of 199kg (84kg snatch + 115kg clean and jerk).
This achievement not only brought her a third career medal at the prestigious event but also ended India’s medal drought at the World Championships since 2022. While the gold medal was captured by North Korea’s Ri Song Gum with a stunning world-record performance, Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen secured the bronze.
For Mirabai Chanu, this silver medal is more than just another addition to her decorated career. It is a symbol of resilience, consistency, and determination in a sport where every kilogram can make the difference between glory and heartbreak.
A Triumphant Return
Chanu’s silver in Forde was her third overall and her first World Championships medal since 2022. It served as a proud reminder to Indian sports enthusiasts of her dependability on the international scene.
Her performance carried added weight considering the backdrop: this was her first major World Championships appearance since the Paris Olympics, where she narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth. That disappointment had been a hard pill to swallow, but Chanu vowed to come back stronger — and she delivered.
The 199kg total was enough to secure second place, reaffirming her place among the world’s elite lifters. While she did not challenge Ri Song Gum’s astonishing world record, Chanu’s effort showcased her remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
India’s Medal Tally Grows
With this victory, Mirabai Chanu lifted India’s total medal count at the World Weightlifting Championships to 18 — all of which have been won by women.
This fact underlines not only Chanu’s individual brilliance but also the growing dominance of Indian women athletes in weightlifting, a sport once considered niche in the country.
From Karnam Malleswari, India’s first female weightlifting star, to today’s generation led by Chanu, Indian women have consistently carried the nation’s hopes in international weightlifting competitions.
The Road to Forde: Chanu’s Journey
Mirabai Chanu’s journey to this silver medal has been nothing short of inspirational.
Born in Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, Chanu discovered her passion for weightlifting at a young age. Coming from humble beginnings, she faced numerous struggles, from inadequate training facilities to limited financial support. Yet, her perseverance and belief in herself helped her climb to the very top of her sport.
Her breakthrough came in 2017, when she won the gold medal at the World Championships in Anaheim, USA. That victory made her a household name in India and inspired a new generation of athletes.
She followed that up with silver at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, which cemented her place in Indian sporting history. Now, in 2025, her latest silver continues the narrative of a career marked by consistency at the highest level.
The Fierce Competition
The women’s 48kg category has always been one of the most competitive in weightlifting. With lifters from North Korea, China, and Thailand regularly setting new benchmarks, the standard remains incredibly high.
Ri Song Gum’s gold-medal performance in Norway was particularly remarkable. She not only won the event but did so with a world-record lift, pushing the bar higher — both literally and figuratively — for all her competitors.
Despite the intense competition, Chanu’s ability to consistently place among the top lifters in the world shows her enduring class.
Reaction from the Weightlifting Community
Chanu’s silver medal was celebrated widely across India and beyond. The Indian Weightlifting Federation praised her as “an icon of consistency and a role model for young lifters.” Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages, with fans hailing her as a national treasure.
Several sports personalities, including Olympic champions and fellow athletes, also lauded her achievement. For many, her success in Norway represents not just a personal milestone but also a ray of hope for India’s Olympic prospects in 2028.
The Psychological Strength
What sets Chanu apart is not just her physical strength but her mental resilience. Weightlifting is a sport where one mistake — a shaky snatch, a failed jerk — can ruin years of preparation.
Her journey has been marked by setbacks, including injuries and the weight of expectations. Yet, she has time and again shown an uncanny ability to rise when it matters most.
In her own words after the victory:
“Each medal has a backstory of hardship. This silver is special because it reminds me that patience, discipline, and hard work always pay off. I am proud to bring this medal back to India.”
Impact on Indian Sports
Chanu’s silver medal is more than just another entry in the record books — it has broader implications for Indian sports.
1. Inspiration for Young Athletes: Her story continues to inspire young boys and girls across India, especially from smaller towns and rural areas, to pursue careers in sports.
2. Spotlight on Weightlifting: In a cricket-obsessed nation, achievements like Chanu’s shift attention toward Olympic sports, helping them gain recognition and investment.
3. Women Empowerment: That all of India’s World Championship weightlifting medals have been won by women is a powerful testament to the strength and determination of Indian female athletes.
While the silver medal is a reason to celebrate, Chanu herself is already looking forward. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, every competition from now until then will serve as preparation.
Her training will likely focus on improving her personal best, particularly in the clean and jerk, where a few extra kilograms could bridge the gap to gold.
As her coach put it, “Mirabai is not done yet. She has more left in her tank, and the next goal is to go beyond 200kg in total lifts. That will bring her even closer to the top spot.”
The Legacy of Mirabai Chanu
Few athletes manage to leave behind a legacy that transcends medals and statistics. Mirabai Chanu is one of them.
Her journey from a small village in Manipur to global recognition has made her a symbol of hope and perseverance. She has redefined what it means to be a weightlifter from India and continues to set an example for generations to come.
Every time she steps onto the podium, she carries with her not just the weight of the barbell but also the aspirations of millions of Indians.
Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships is a story of determination, resilience, and national pride. While Ri Song Gum may have taken gold with a record-breaking performance, Chanu’s return to the podium is a victory in its own right.
She has once again proven that she is among the world’s elite weightlifters, and more importantly, that she remains the beating heart of Indian weightlifting.
As India celebrates her achievement, one thing is clear: Mirabai Chanu’s journey is far from over. And with every lift, she continues to raise not only the barbell but also the hopes of a nation.
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