Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is an Indian athlete, weightlifter, and media sensation. She is best known for winning a silver medal in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics for India in 49 kg women’s category. She is also famous as a winner of a gold medal in world championships of weightlifting in 2017 and a winner of the Padma Shri Award in 2018.Â
Mirabai was born and raised in Nongpok Kakching, Imphal East, Manipur, India along with her parents and siblings. She attended a local school for elementary education. At the age of 12, her family came to know about strength, as she could lift heavy weight easily and encouraged her to pursue a career in the same field. In 2014, she gained popularity around the world as a weightlifter after winning a silver medal in Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 48 kg weight category.Â