Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in congratulating Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu on winning the country’s first medal at the pandemic-affected Tokyo Olympics.
“Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by @mirabai_chanu’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian,” PM Modi tweeted with #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020.
Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49kg event, ending India’s 21-year drought for a weightlifting medal.
After learning that she had won a medal, the Manipur athlete broke down and hugged her coach in joy. She later danced as well to commemorate the remarkable podium finish.
Ms Chanu, 26, lifted a total of 202 kilogrammes (87 kilogrammes + 115 kilogrammes) to surpass Karnam Malleswari’s bronze medal performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, “Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by earning silver in weightlifting.”
On the first day of the Olympics, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi praised Mirabai Chanu for winning the country’s first medal.
“We’re really grateful to you, and you inspire the entire India, our Indian contingent at #TokyoOlympics, and I’m sure the way you started on day one will inspire the other competitors, and they will also make India proud,” said new Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, according to news agency ANI.
N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, tweeted a photo of her winning moment and congratulated her on her victory.
Former sports minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted a video of the feat.
Messages of congratulations poured in from all directions. Here’s a sample of some of them.
