Asian Games 2026: Feels like life is complete, says Mirabai
Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, expressing profound satisfaction after years of striving. The article details her past struggles with injuries and previous unsuccessful attempts at the Asian Games, highlighting her dedication to achieving this significant milestone.
Why it matters
This article celebrates a significant achievement for an Indian athlete on an international stage, showcasing the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, and inspiring national pride in sports.
Asian athletes have dominated the women’s 48kg and 49kg weight divisions for 25 years, winning 27 of 30 Olympic medals and holding all World records. And so, the desperation for an Asian Games medal is understandable for India’s Mirabai Chanu.
“I’m feeling so happy... so light. Bilkul weight hat gaya hai [the weight has lifted completely],” she said after the win.
In the Hangzhou Asiad of 2023, Mirabai knew she had tweaked her hip during warm-up, but she gritted her teeth and loaded 117kg on the bar — the second-most she had ever attempted — as she bid for bronze.
However, she collapsed and had to be carried off stage. Previously, she’d fallen short in Incheon 2014 and missed the 2018 Jakarta edition with injury.
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