Latest news with #MirabaiChanu
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Sports Bill empowers women with greater representation and responsibility
Mirabai Chanu Earlier this year when I got a letter from the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to become the chairperson of its Athletes' Commission, it came as a pleasant surprise. Coming as it did at a time when our sports is in intense need to find the next generation of weightlifters to win global medals for India, I accepted the position alongside Commonwealth Games gold medallist S. Sathish Kumar, who is the vice-chairman of the commission. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! My four-year term will be a big opportunity to express how women feel about weightlifting, where the intricacies of the sport are vastly different from how men play it. Weightlifting hinges on explosive power and every muscle in a woman's body is impacted. So, it is important to build an ecosystem that is favourable for women to take up such a physically demanding sport. The Khelo Bharat Niti and the Sports Governance Bill mooted by the Union sports ministry complement each other. We have had a sports code that has worked well but sport is dynamic and therefore there is a need for policies and laws to change for the better. The good thing is that the Khelo Bharat Niti is aimed at the greater good of the youth at large and the Bill will ensure the ease of sporting business so that there are no hiccups and athletes wishing to excel at the highest level can just focus on their training. The inclusion of women in governance should not be seen as an intrusion. Gender neutrality is at the heart of the Olympic movement and now we have the first woman as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Since Tokyo 2020, the focus on women in global sports has been highlighted. At Los Angeles 2028, there will be more medals at stake for women than men! It is a significant indication that National Olympic Committees and their constituents will need to align themselves accordingly and ensure women get the respect they deserve on and off the field. The Bill mandates that at least four women should be in executive committee of national sports bodies. It's a good start to enable women with international sporting experience to be represented and more importantly, heard. Going forward, I expect 50% participation of women in executive committees. Governance does not mean ticking the boxes to superficially satisfy some rules and regulations. Since the Bill is wholly athlete centric, it also means taking into consideration small details that are often overlooked. Women, by nature, are meticulous and when armed with administrative powers, will surely be responsible and result oriented. At least that's the way I see myself in my new role in IWLF. Having meaningful conversations and creating a strategy that translates into growth and excellence should be the objective. Poll How important do you think the Khelo Bharat Niti is for youth sports in India? Very important Moderately important Slightly important Since 2014, there has been a definitive mindset shift towards sports in India. The Khelo India initiative is now at the fountainhead of sporting revolution in India but what has contributed to growth and excellence is the focus on infrastructure development, sports science and the government's deep desire to back athletes to shine. I have personally seen the transformation at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala. The Sports Governance Bill will only make sure we take rapid strides to win more medals at the continental and global levels without compromising on the tenets of good governance. Since the 2016 Rio Olympics, we have witnessed a remarkable rise in the performance and presence of women athletes on the global stage. This momentum continued with even greater impact at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and now at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Indian women athletes have consistently delivered inspiring performances and carried the hopes of a nation. Their growing success not only reflects the evolving landscape of Indian sports but also highlights the importance of creating more inclusive opportunities. Although I have personally never faced any harassment or abuse, I am keen that the 'Safe Sports Policy' is strictly adopted by national sports federations and their affiliates. We still live in a male-dominated world and protection of the girl child is mandatory. (Mirabai Chanu is an Olympic medal-winning weightlifter) Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
'When women lift, nation rises': Union MoS Raksha Khadse at Weightlifting Warriors Academy
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, on Wednesday paid a significant visit to the Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modinagar, a premier training centre recognised under the Khelo India Accredited Academy initiative. Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu joined her, Chief National Coach Vijay Sharma, Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) President Sahdev Yadav, and CEO Ashwani Kumar. The Weightlifting Warriors Academy, founded by the Chief National Coach Shri Vijay Sharma, is a state-of-the-art facility meticulously designed to cultivate future champions. Operating with robust support under the Khelo India Scheme and from various sporting bodies, the academy offers a holistic environment for athletic development. Khelo India Accredited Academy - a game changer component of the Khelo India Scheme: For a facility to be accredited as a Khelo India Accredited Academy, it is required to conform to the norms of the Khelo India scheme. The Weightlifting Warriors Academy features a modern, fully equipped gym, a dedicated food service ensuring optimal nutrition, and cutting-edge training equipment and sports science facilities. This isn't just about traditional coaching anymore. Athletes here benefit from scientific training methodologies, advanced performance analysis, targeted injury prevention programs, and comprehensive rehabilitation support. Its residential wing boasts 30 comfortable rooms, capable of housing up to 60 athletes. Currently, the academy is a vibrant hub for 40 promising young athletes, aged 8-14, who are taking their first steps towards sporting greatness. They train alongside 15 elite athletes, including none other than India's celebrated Olympic medalist, Mirabai Chanu, whose dedication and prowess serve as a constant source of inspiration within these walls. Addressing the enthusiastic young athletes, coaches, and staff, Khadse said, 'Under 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025', we are building an ecosystem that not only discovers talent but also sustains it through world-class coaching and community engagement. I have realisedthat when women lift, the entire nation rises, and we pledge to leave no talent undiscovered and no aspiration unfulfilled.' Khadse's visit highlighted the pivotal role of these academies in identifying and nurturing talent from the grassroots, equipping them with world-class facilities and expert guidance. Such institutions are crucial to realising the ambitious goals of 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,' a visionary policy aimed at transforming India into a formidable global sporting powerhouse by creating a comprehensive and sustainable sports development framework. The presence of an iconic athlete like Mirabai Chanu at the academy serves as a potent motivator for the young trainees, vividly demonstrating the heights that can be achieved through dedicated training and access to the premier facilities provided by the Khelo India initiative. As per the statement, Khadse commended the academy's efforts in fostering a culture of excellence and reaffirmed the government's steadfast resolve to continue investing in such vital institutions, thereby securing a brighter, more glorious future for Indian sports. (ANI)
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Indian team for Commonwealth weightlifting championships
Worlds and Olympics medallist Mirabai Chanu will spearhead India's campaign in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships (CWC), a major qualifying event for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow next year, to be held in Ahmedabad from August 23 to 31. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai, who had a disappointing fourth-place finish in Paris 2024, trained with physiotherapist Aaron Horschig in the USA for three weeks in September last before focusing on her recovery and training, especially on snatch in her quest to achieve the 90kg mark, at Modinagar. India has picked 16 lifters (apart from four reserves), including eight men and as many women, for the CWC following the selection trials. The winner in each weight category at the CWC will earn a quota place for the CWG. Most of the lifters selected in the team are likely to participate in the World championships to be held in Forde, Norway, in October. The team: Men: 60kg: Chanambam Rishikanta Singh; 65kg: Muthupandi Raja; 71kg: Narayana Ajith; 79kg: Valluri Ajaya Babu and Achinta Sheuli (reserve); 88kg: Ajay Singh; 94kg: Dilbag Singh; 110kg: Harcharan Singh; +110kg: Lovepreet Singh. Women: 48kg: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu; 53kg: Sneha Soren and Gyaneshwari Yadav (reserve); 58kg: Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi and Rima Bhoi (reserve); 63kg: Seram Nirupama Devi; 69kg: Harjinder Kaur and Sanapathi Pallavi (reserve); 77kg: Harmanpreet Kaur; 86kg: Vanshita Verma; +86kg: Mehak Sharma.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya kicks off ASMITA Weightlifting League, says 'Mirabai Chanu perfect role model'
Modinagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 9 (ANI): The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the 2025 season of the ASMITA league in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. The 2025 season of ASMITA began with the weightlifting league, where forty-two girls participated in eight different weight categories in a two-day event held in the Open category. In the current financial year 2025-26, 852 leagues across 15 sports disciplines have been planned. The leagues spread across the states and Union Territories will feature over 70,000 female athletes. Last season, 550 leagues were conducted across 27 sports disciplines that enabled the participation of 53,101 female athletes. 'It is our mission to create opportunities at every level and then spot talent and groom them. I see there is a lot of fire in the eyes of these kids who have turned up here in Modinagar. I am sure we will be able to find another Mirabai Chanu,' said Mansukh Mandaviya. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu was among the host of dignitaries who were present at the inauguration of the ASMITA weightlifting league. Boosting the morale of the participants was the Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Raksha Nikhil Khadse. 'ASMITA is a big pillar in our robust sports programme. Women have demonstrated their ability to excel in sports, and the sky is the limit for them. The intent in the eyes of the kids is something that needs to be cultivated,' said Raksha Khadse. 'You can't have a better role model than Mirabai Chanu. Having come from a remote Manipur village and achieved excellence at the highest levels, she has created a benchmark for all women weightlifters. Her presence should inspire the young girls who are taking part in weightlifting,' said Mansukh Mandaviya. Mandaviya reiterated the government's '360 degrees' commitment to sports and emphasised how this is reflected in the sports budget that has increased fourfold in the last 10 years. 'We are looking to reach every corner of India and tell aspiring sportspersons that we now have a pathway for you to rise and shine. Our Khelo Bharat Niti (sports policy) has been designed in this manner, and having collaborated with the National Education Policy, we are giving a lot of impetus to school sports. These will be reflected in the Khelo India calendar that we have created. There will be no dearth of opportunities,' said Mandaviya. Olympian Mirabai said the ASMITA Leagues, which started in 2021, have been a huge boon to women in sports. 'Its tiered structure is perfectly scripted. Everyone now has a vision on how to make it to the highest level. We didn't get such opportunities, and that's why ASMITA is a blessing for women who want to play a sport and dream big,' said Mirabai. (ANI)
The Print
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Print
My target is still 90kg, have tweaked my snatch technique: Mirabai Chanu
'My target is still 90kg. I will compete full strength at the (2026) Asian Games,' Chanu replied to a query by PTI on the sidelines of the opening of ASMITA Weightlifting League. Injuries had disrupted her previous Olympic cycle, and the former world champion hasn't competed since finishing fourth at the Paris Games. However, a recent tweak in technique has reignited belief that the long-cherished mark may finally be within reach. Modinagar (UP), Jul 8 (PTI) She has won nearly every accolade the sport has to offer, but Tokyo Olympics silver-medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu remains in relentless pursuit of one elusive milestone — the 90kg snatch lift. The diminutive Manipuri has been eyeing the 90kg mark since 2019. While she has managed to cross the barrier in training, replicating that success in competition has remained out of grasp even as several contemporaries have gone past the milestone. 'Before the 2026 Asian Games, I will try to give my best at the World Championships this year where we will also assess what all I have to do to get better in 48kg category.' 'All that we'll know at the World Championships. But plan is to cross 90kg in snatch. Even juniors have now crossed 90kg. Recently a junior from China lifted it,' she said. Tweaked snatch technique ================ At the Paris Olympics, Chanu's clean and jerk — her strong suit — let her down. She failed to lift 111kg on her first attempt and 114kg on her final, finishing just 1kg shy of a second podium spot at the Games. It was a rare off day in the clean and jerk, where she once held the world record with a 119kg lift. But Chanu draws heart from her snatch performance in Paris, where she equalled her personal best of 88kg. 'My snatch has improved. Earlier, I was not able to lift 88kg-89kg but I managed 88kg in the Olympics.' Chanu, along with India chief coach Vijay Sharma, has been working to improve her snatch, an area she admits has always been her Achilles' heel. 'Snatch is all technique. How to lift from the bottom and progress, how to control the back… all that is technique which I lack a little bit.' Snatch requires a blend of strength, speed, and precision, lifting the barbell from the floor to overhead in one explosive motion. 'The force from (sitting) down to (standing) up should be in sync, that has been my weakness since the beginning. We have made small tweaks. Like, how to move fast from the second pull and the hip thrust. I don't have that combination'. 'The technique can't be corrected instantaneously, we have to work on it also because my body is ageing, but moving fast and speed and combination can be done,' Chanu, who turns 31 in a month, explained. Coach Sharma remains optimistic. 'Watching the Commonwealth Championship trials has given me a lot of confidence. She was able to snatch 85kg easily so now I feel she will cross 90 easily.' Moving down to 48kg will be very difficult ========================== With new Olympic weight categories now in effect, Chanu has opted to move down from the 49kg division to 48kg, a challenge she admits won't be easy. 'To control my weight will be difficult. When I was competing in 49kg my weight used to be 48.5ish (during weigh in). I would keep my weight around 50.5kg (1.5kg) and train. 'So for 48kg, I will have to train at 49.5kg To control the weight is very tough for me,' said Chanu, whose natural body weight hovers around 50.5kg. Coach Sharma echoed the difficulty of this adjustment, saying the extra kilo after competing in 49kg for over five years will lead to loss of muscle. 'It is very difficult. She has been competing in one weight for the past seven years and for that too she has to lose two kgs. Now she has to lose one more… it will be very difficult. That 1kg will be difficult, that's muscle loss,' he said. Chanu's comeback event will be next month's Commonwealth Championships in Ahmedabad. PTI APA AM APA AM AM This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
