Mirabai Chanu Aims for Historic Second Olympic Medal Amidst Fitness Concerns

Mirabai Chanu is set to compete for a second Olympic medal in weightlifting. Despite having kept a low profile due to injuries, Chanu, who won a silver at the Tokyo Olympics, continues to train hard but faces tough competition. Fitness remains a concern but her coaches believe she has fully recovered.

Mirabai Chanu, who has been away from the spotlight due to an injury-plagued buildup, will be in the focus on Wednesday as she attempts to become India's first weightlifter to win two Olympic medals. However, a challenging field and lingering fitness concerns stand in her way.

The lifter, who opened India's tally at the Tokyo Olympics with a sparkling silver, has kept a low profile since suffering hip tendonitis during the Asian Games last October. Chanu has endured an underwhelming Olympic cycle due to injury and workload management.

Her best effort since Tokyo came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she lifted 201kg. Competing in her pet 49kg weight category, Chanu is likely to contend for a silver or bronze if she matches or betters her personal best. Despite fitness concerns, both Chanu and her coach, Vijay Sharma, assert she has fully recovered. The competition remains fierce, but Chanu is known for her tenacity and fighting spirit.