(Olympics news) Olympic 2021 Live Update: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu gave India its first medal at the Tokyo Olympics as she won silver in the 49 kg category. Despite failing to lift 89 kg successfully, Chanu lifted 84kg and 87 kg for the second spot.
With this accomplishment, Chanu ended India’s 21 year old wait for an Olympic medal in weightlifting and set a new record by improving on Karnam Malleswari’s bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.
The 26 year old from Manipur could not improve on her personal best and settled for 87 kg for a second place finish behind Zhihui, who accomplished a new Olympic record by lifting 94 kg. Chanu also lifted 110 kg and 115 kg in her first two attempts at the clean jerk section but was unable to lift 117 kg. However, her efforts were enough to secure an Olympic medal in a historic result.
Written with inputs from PTI
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