Picture Credit: Twitter
India's weightlifter Mirabai Chanu is the talk of the town in India right now and she has definitely earned it. The 26-year-old, who was carrying the hopes of 1.3 billion people at Tokyo Olympics, certainly did not succumb to the pressure as she lifted 202 kg (Snatch & Clean and Jerk) to clinch a historic silver medal in the Summer Games in the 49 kg category. Till date, it is the only medal for India in Tokyo which speaks volumes about the significance of her achievement.
On Tuesday, Mirabai Chanu finally made her much-awaited return to her hometown - Imphal, Manipur. The Indian athlete was welcomed by thousands of people at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, where Manipur's Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh was also present. As soon as Mirabai saw her parents waiting for her, she went and hugged them resulting in a very emotional moment at the airport.
What a reception for Mirabai!
While she received a grand reception at the airport, it was a festive atmosphere in the whole of Imphal. As Mirabai left from the airport, she was appreciated by people from their balconies throughout the journey. Although there was a lot of security around her, the 26-year-old did not disappoint her fans as she was also spotted waving to them from the window of the car. With crackers bursting all around, the scenes in Imphal were absolutely heartwarming.
Watch the video here:
Mirabai received INR 1 crore reward from Manipur CM
The Indian weightlifter was firstly taken to City Convention Centre in Imphal where she was felicitated by Manipur CM Nongthombam Biren Singh. Mirabai Chanu was awarded a cheque of INR 1 crore, as promised earlier by the Chief Minister. In addition, the 26-year-old also received rewards of INR 10 lakhs and INR 3 lakhs from YAS Department and Education Department respectively.
The Governor of Manipur has also announced the appointment of Mirabai Chanu to the post of Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) in Manipur Police Department. She also went to the office on Tuesday and received her appointment letter, where she was spotted with few police offers. It was indeed a memorable day for Mirabai on her historic return to home after making the nation proud.