Mirabai Chanu, India’s Olympic weightlifting medalist, is making a determined comeback, focusing on technique changes and adapting to a new weight category on her path to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Comeback Trail
It’s been nearly a year since Mirabai Chanu last competed, following her fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics in the 49kg category. Her previous Olympic cycle was significantly impacted by a recurring injury, and she also placed fourth at the 2022 Asian Games.
Now, after completing her rehabilitation and refining her technique, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist is ready for another shot at the elusive Asian Games medal. A podium finish at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains her ultimate dream.
“I tried my best in Paris but due to inconsistent training and recurring injury, a medal was lost,” Mirabai Chanu told The Indian Express. She noted that her training is currently at 80 percent, and her body feels great after recent trials for the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
Refining the Snatch Technique
While Chanu is renowned for her strength in the clean and jerk – she held the world record of 119kg until 2024 – the snatch section has often been her weaker point. She managed 88kg in Paris and is now targeting 90kg.
“Snatch is all about technique,” she explained. “How to lift the bell from the bottom and then progress, and how to control your body in the process. My weakness from the start has been the force transfer from sitting down to standing up.”
Her long-time coach, Vijay Sharma, confirmed that slight tweaks have been made to her technique since Paris. “Now she is moving fast while going up with more hip thrust, and it has shown results,” he said, noting an unexpected 85kg lift at recent trials.
Chanu acknowledges the challenge of altering technique with an “ageing body” but believes a combination of second pull and hip thrust can help her achieve 90kg. Coach Sharma emphasizes that breaking years-old patterns takes time, and their current focus is on these technical adjustments.
Adjusting to a New Weight Category
The International Weightlifting Federation is introducing new weight categories from June 2025, which means Mirabai will now compete in the women’s 48kg category, as the 49kg class has been scrapped.
“When I was in the 49kg category, I would keep my weight around 50.5kg to train, and now I will have to keep it within 50kg to train,” Chanu shared. While it might seem like a small adjustment, a single kilogram can significantly impact an athlete’s body.
Coach Sharma elaborated on the decision. “It’s been seven years since Chanu has been competing in the same category, and now she has cut down on her natural weight of 50kg further,” he said. “We had options of going either to 53kg or come down to 48kg; we chose the latter one as it suits her natural weight.”
The Road Ahead
Chanu’s immediate competitive schedule includes the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad this year, which serves as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Following that, she will prepare for the World Championships in October 2025.
“Both tournaments are important for us,” Chanu stated. “The Commonwealth is an important tournament as I will start my season here, and then we have the Worlds where I will be competing with the Chinese and North Koreans.”
Her ultimate goal, she reiterated, is to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Coach Vijay Sharma has mapped out a plan for gradual progression, aiming to improve her total lift event by event. He hopes Chanu remains injury-free for uninterrupted training, expressing satisfaction with her performance at the recent trials.
- Mirabai Chanu is making a strong comeback after injury and a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics.
- She is focused on improving her snatch technique with new “hip thrust” and faster movement adjustments.
- Chanu is transitioning to the new 48kg weight category, which requires careful weight management.
- Her immediate goals include the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and the World Championships, with a long-term aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
With renewed focus and strategic adjustments, Mirabai Chanu is determined to reclaim her top form on the international stage.
