Cosmo: Tell us a little about your childhood. When did you realise that you wanted to pursue weightlifting?
Mirabai Chanu: “I grew up in Nongpok Kakching, a small village about 30 kilometres from Imphal [Manipur]. I come from a very humble background. I am the youngest of three siblings, and my childhood was full of ups and downs. As a child, I admired Kunjarani Devi—watching her weightlift so effortlessly inspired me to be like her. I realised my potential for the sport at the age of 12. I could lift more logs of wood than my brother, and my family recognised my strength and supported my decision to pursue weightlifting as a profession.”
C: What were the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome in order to realise your dream of representing India?
MC: “When I started out, there were no weightlifting centres in my village. So I had to travel over 40 kilometres to get to the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. But my rebellious optimism helped me realise my dream ultimately.”
C: When it comes to weightlifting, what has changed since you started out?
MC: “In India, weightlifting has always been considered a malecentric sport, given the strength it demands. It has taken a lot of time and courage to change that perception. On the bright side, after the Tokyo Olympics, people’s outlook towards this sport has changed significantly. And in the recent years, many young girls have taken up weightlifting, which makes me extremely happy.”
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Cosmopolitan India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Cosmopolitan India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is Social Media Really A Free Space?
We're always rooting for self-expression...especially on the internet. But a friendly and important—reminder to proceed with caution.
Are we all Letterboxd-pilled?
Film study grad or not, everyone's a critic now!
Burning bright
Cosmo India speaks to six creators about how they handle the grind and the toll it takes on their bodies and minds.
MATCH POINT: Polyamory & the green-eyed monster
While the concept is still more nascent than normative in India, traditionalists have one big question: what becomes of the jealousy?
Hello, 2024's dating lingo for you
Fresh ways to complicate your life this season.
Listen? You need to STOP making your crush uncomfortable
And yes, you might just be doing it involuntarily.
Fillers on your mind?
Cosmo intern Jia Noor Singh Bhandal's (very) quick and (very) easy take on the cosmetic procedure.
A nifty textbook guide to cleaning your beauty shelfie
Sorry, but it is time to finally throw away your three-year-old dried out mascara.
Hands up if you've been to forgetting apply SPF to these areas
“Raises hand* and instantly reaches for sun protection
Through my lens
Capturing freedom through the power of visual storytelling? These new-gen image-makers are making it happen.