Picture Credit: Twitter
Indian weightlifting star Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (49kg) will have the expectations of the entire nation at the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2022 after her incredible performance in the Tokyo Olympics last year. The Games are scheduled between 28 July and 8 August in Birmingham.
Chanu, in a recent interview, talked about her preparation since her performance in Tokyo. She talked about how she has been focusing on improving her technique and primarily on her snatch as she considers it her 'weakness'.
"The training has been the same as before. Post-Olympics, I have mainly been paying attention to my technique only. Since returning I have mainly focused on my snatch, which is my weakness. So I have done a lot of work on that. Technique should be good then I can put in better performances. So there hasn't been much change in my training, I have mainly been focusing on my technique," she said.
Mirabai Chanu then threw light on her objective to break the 90kg snatch barrier which she hasn't 'touched yet' and is planning to do it in the World Championships. "I still haven't touched it but I am trying. I don't know in CWG, what I will do and what my sir will tell me", she continued. "My plan is to do it in the World Championships."
In the interview, she talked about how after winning her silver at the Tokyo Olympics, weightlifting as a sport has received a lot more popularity and interest in India. She stated that she spoke about how when people ask her about the sport or when children recognise her, she feels happy.
"After the Olympics, I have been treated well and I have also got recognition. That has changed in my life. Earlier nobody knew about weightlifting and also I am from Manipur, people didn't know much about Northeast either," she said.
"But after the Olympics, people recognise me and also ask about weightlifting. I like that. Small kids recognise and I really like that. It makes me happy that I did something for India, my family and state. That has changed, I like it and it is a big thing for me", she concluded.