Mirabai Chanu Reveals Relentless Training Demands: Even Family Time Focused on Weightlifting

Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting Dedication Extends Beyond the Gym

Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu reveals that the relentless demands of training and maintaining optimal weight are a constant presence in her life, even during time spent with family. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We do get some time to rest, particularly after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I also took some rest, before returning to training. Spending time with family is also very important, especially after dedicating so much time to training – it’s necessary to relax a little," Mirabai shared on Game On, a podcast series.

"That aspect was enjoyable, but now it's time to resume training. The Commonwealth Championships are next, and they also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our complete focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently directed towards it.

"We don’t really get to enjoy traveling. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t truly enjoy it with my family the way I’d like to, because we have to get back to training. We’ve already invested so much time, so we have to consider how to recover, how to maintain ourselves... these thoughts are always present. I constantly think: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform as I did before?

"So honestly, we're always thinking about training – even while eating! We think: if I eat this, what effect will it have? Will I gain fat? Will my weight increase? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

"I love junk food – especially pizza! Everyone knows that. But I still can’t eat it. Even when I’m not training, I really feel like eating it, but I stop myself and think, ‘If I eat this, how will tomorrow’s training go?’ I have to maintain my weight, especially keeping it at 50 kg. It’s very tough – training and staying at that weight. So, even when I want something, I have to stop myself and say, ‘Not now, focus on the competition first,’" she added.

Mirabai's impressive achievements extend beyond her Olympic silver medal. She also boasts a gold and a silver medal at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships.