Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting Star's Relentless Dedication Extends Even to Family Time

Mirabai Chanu: Training and Weight Concerns Linger, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu is the newest guest on the Game On podcast.

Mirabai Chanu, the celebrated Indian weightlifter, has revealed the relentless mental dedication required to compete at the highest level. Even during precious moments spent with family, the pressures of training and maintaining her weight remain a constant presence. The silver medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We do get some time to rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics," Chanu shared on the "Game On" podcast. "I took some rest too, but quickly returned to training. Spending time with family is vital, particularly after dedicating so much time to training. It's necessary to relax a little."

She continued, "That aspect was enjoyable, but now it's time to refocus on training. The Commonwealth Championships are next, and they will also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our full attention is on that, and our preparations are completely geared towards it."

Chanu also opened up about the sacrifices required to stay at the top of her game. "We don't really get to enjoy traveling. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t fully 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 think about recovery and maintenance. These things are always on my mind."

The mental toll is significant, as Chanu explained: "I keep thinking: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like I did before?"

Even simple pleasures like eating become a strategic calculation. "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 go up? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

Chanu confessed her love for junk food, particularly 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.’"

Mirabai Chanu's impressive medal haul includes:

• Olympic Silver Medal
• World Championships: Gold and Silver
• Commonwealth Games: Two Golds and a Silver
• Asian Championships: Bronze