Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting Demands Relentless Focus, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals the relentless mental dedication required to compete at the highest level. Even during family time, the pressures of training and maintaining her weight remain a constant presence. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

Mirabai shared her thoughts on the "Game On" podcast series, stating, "We also get a little time to rest, especially after the Asian Games or Olympics... but then got back to training. Spending time with family is very important, especially after dedicating so much time to training – it’s necessary to relax a little."

However, the respite is short-lived. "Now it's time to face training again. Up next is the Commonwealth Championships, which will also act as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. So, our full focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently geared toward it."

The life of a professional athlete involves sacrifices. "We don’t really get to enjoy traveling. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t really enjoy with my family the way I’d like to—because we have to get back to training. We’ve already given so much time to it, so we have to think about how to recover, how to maintain ourselves... these things are always on my mind."

The mental burden is significant. "I keep thinking: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like 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 go up? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

Chanu admits to craving certain indulgences. "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.’" The constant vigilance is crucial for her performance.

Mirabai Chanu's impressive medal haul includes an Olympic silver medal, a gold and silver at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships, highlighting her dedication and sacrifice.