World champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu from Manipur lands in Tokyo ahead of Olympic games

Tokyo, July 18: World champion weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu from Manipur has landed in Tokyo ahead of Tokyo Olympics which is scheduled to begin from July 23.

Confirming this and sharing a photo in a tweet, the Indian weightlifter Mirabai wrote, "Finally reached our destination @Tokyo2020 Games Village."

Last month Mirabai Chanu qualified for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in Women's 49 Kg category. Mirabai Chanu has been ranked 2nd in the International Weightlifting Federation's Absolute Ranking List in the 49 Kg category released by the International Weightlifting Federation(IWF). Mirabai gathered 4133, 6172 Robi points to come second behind Chinese Hou Zhihui (4926, 4422) in the rankings published by the IWF recently.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation sent Mirabai's entry after the confirmation of her place from the 'world' quota. Mirabai – who lifted a total of 205kg, including a world record of 119 kg in clean and jerk, to secure a bronze medal in the Asian championships in April – is considered a strong medal prospect in the Olympics. On hearing of her inclusion in the Indian contingent for Tokyo Olympics,the Manipur cabinet had on June 23 decided to extend the onetime cash incentive of Rs 10 lakh to Mirabai Chanu who had won India's first gold in 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast in women's 48 kg category.

Meanwhile Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has conveyed her best wishes to the 119 Tokyo bound Indian Athletes who will be competing in 85 medal events in the Tokyo Olympics Games due to begin from July 23 to August 8,2021.

"Best wishes to the Indian contingent heading to @Tokyo2020 Olympics. I am sure they will bring laurels to the nation. Let us all come together and #Cheer4India," Governor Dr Heptulla tweeted.

Conveying that the pride the Nation feels for those who have represented India in the Olympics over the years,she also categorically conveyed her best wishes to five athletes namely, MC Mary Kom (Boxing), Likmabam Sushila (Judo), Pukhrambam Sushila (Hockey), Sanglakpam Nilakanta (Hockey) and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting) who are participating in the Tokyo Olympics from this tiny north-eastern state.