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In this episode of Guest in the Newsroom, Our guest is Indian weightlifter and Olympic medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu. She earned a silver medal in the women’s 49 kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has also claimed gold medals at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. In recognition of her achievements, she was honored with the Padma Shri and the Khel Ratna Award by the Government of India in 2018. Tune in to discover more about her personal and professional journey
00:00 Interview Highlights
03:38 Saurabh introduces Mirabai Chanu
07:14 Mirabai tells about her Tattoo, especially “Ima,” dedicated to her mother.
08:00 Praising her strong, determined mother – a former football player
10:04 Mother’s strictness at age 14, pushing her training with tough discipline.
11:29 Importance of supporting women’s fitness and nutrition.
12:29 Initial strained relationship with her father, who later supported her after her first medal.
14:35 Entry into weightlifting in 2007; inspired at Khuman Lampak Stadium.
16:20 Mother’s eventual approval of her switch to weightlifting.
16:51 Long commutes, unreliable transport, and help from truck driver Rajesh.
20:28 Early diet struggles – just a banana, egg, and little milk.
21:29 Growing up in violence-hit Manipur and challenges for athletes.
23:30 Explaining Snatch vs. Clean & Jerk (prefers Clean & Jerk).
25:02 Her weight category (48/49kg) and lifting double her body weight.
25:47 Debunking myths about overeating; strict weight control.
26:29 Daily diet: eggs, chickpeas, seafood, meat, dry fruits, minimal oil/spices.
28:51 Daily schedule: workouts, meals, rest, rehab.
30:27 Weekly training regimen (1 day off).
30:52 Dedication required, effects of even short breaks.
33:03 First Olympics (Rio) – failed Clean & Jerk attempts.
34:28 Mental pressure of representing India.
36:34 Rio blackout and failed lifts.
37:29 Backlash after Rio, motivation to prove herself.
39:59 Role of coach Vijay Sharma since 2014.
42:07 Training journey with Coach Sharma; academy ‘Weightlifting Warriors’.
43:24 Academy initiative for young girls (8–13 years).
47:00 Post-Rio breakdown, motivation from mother & coach.
49:00 Support from federation & psychologists for her comeback.
50:49 Preparations for Tokyo amid COVID & injuries.
52:29 Tokyo 2020 silver medal performance.
54:33 Competitive strategy vs. Chinese lifters.
57:08 Joy of winning silver, emotional moment with coach.
59:09 Holding the silver medal & India’s reception.
59:46 Call from PM Modi.
1:00:46 Her role as Additional SP, Manipur Police.
1:01:03 Narrow miss at Paris Olympics.
1:01:31 Hip joint injury during Asian Games 2023, battling pain at Paris Olympics.
1:03:37 Mental strength and physio/coach support.
1:05:01 Relaxing music for training; time with family.
1:06:13 Salman Khan fan, Bigg Boss follower, meeting him post-Tokyo.
1:07:00 Appearance on Dance Deewane.
1:07:34 On racial comments faced by NE people.
1:09:42 Plea for peace in Manipur (Kuki–Meitei conflict).
1:11:09 Staying modest after success.
1:14:23 Targeting an Asian Games medal.
1:15:02 Height vs. strength/technique in weightlifting.
1:17:27 Key exercises: squats & pulls.
1:18:41 Most difficult lift: snatch.
1:19:13 Dedication: sleep and limiting social media.
1:21:05 Handling joint pain during workouts.
1:22:01 Avoiding back injuries in gym.
1:24:28 Use of weightlifting belt.
1:25:12 Joy of representation.
1:26:33 Sports facilities: Delhi vs. Manipur.
1:29:56 Alternative career choice.
1:30:50 Favorite cheat meal (pizza after Tokyo).
1:32:06 Favorite city for training: France.
1:33:02 Future goals: World & Asian Championships, targeting Asian Games medal.
1:33:50 Discipline & one hour daily fitness for everyone.
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