GQ HEROES 2021
GQ India|October 2021
Real heroes don’t wear capes. The individuals on this list are at the top of their respective fields—whether in sport, business, or entertainment. But beyond their personal achievements, these extraordinary folks have brought us much-needed inspiration and cheer in a difficult year. Each has demonstrated empathy, smarts, and courage, driving positive change to create a brighter future. We salute them.
SHIKHA SETHI
GQ HEROES 2021

MIRABAI CHANU SAIKHOM

Weightlifter

AGE: 27

WHAT

Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in the 49 kg category of the women’s weightlifting competition on the first day of the 2020 Olympics, setting the tone for India’s best-ever medal haul at the Games. It was also one of only two silver medals India won in Tokyo.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACED, AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT

“The biggest challenge was after the Rio [Olympics] 2016, where I failed. I was really troubled. I felt like quitting. I couldn’t understand why I’d failed after so much hard work. My family’s support, in helping me understand that victories and losses happen in the life of a sportsperson, got me through this. I realized I have to do well in the future, work harder, and focus on my training.”

STANDOUT MOMENT FROM YOUR WIN

“When I won a medal on day one, my dream came true. First, I was nervous. Later, I still couldn’t believe I’d won. Even on the podium, it felt like a dream; five years of work had borne fruit. I got such a hug from [coach] Vijay [Sharma], who said I’d fulfilled his dream too.”

BIGGEST LEARNING

“There will be injuries, and you have to deal with them. Some people who get injured or miss medals give up training; they go into a different space. I’ve learnt not to do that.”

DOING THE HEAVY LIFTING

“I’ll start training soon; I want a medal in the Asian Games, which I don’t have. Then there are only three years left for the Paris Olympics [laughs]. I want to convert silver to gold.”

Denne historien er fra October 2021-utgaven av GQ India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 2021-utgaven av GQ India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GQ INDIASe alt
The 30 Best Watches Of 2024
GQ India

The 30 Best Watches Of 2024

Rounding up the best shapes, materials, complications and sizes from this year's horological novelty treasure chest.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October - November 2024
Wes Lang's Heroes of Love...
GQ India

Wes Lang's Heroes of Love...

Last month, LA-based artist Wes Lang unveiled The Black Paintings, a monumental series of works that play like storyboards to a raucous midnight horror movieand a spiritual quest. Here, GQ collaborates with the artist on a fashion story that brings his stylish characters off the canvas.

time-read
8 mins  |
October - November 2024
The Miraculous Resurrection of Notre Dame
GQ India

The Miraculous Resurrection of Notre Dame

In 2019, a fire nearly destroyed the crown jewel of France-and the nation set a breakneck five-year deadline to bring it back from the ashes. This is the story of how an army of artisans turned back centuries to restore Notre-Dame by hand, and wound up reviving something even greater than the cathedral itself.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October - November 2024
"IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING PERFECT. IT'S ABOUT BEING REVOLUTIONARY."
GQ India

"IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING PERFECT. IT'S ABOUT BEING REVOLUTIONARY."

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter talks business, legacy, art, and family

time-read
10+ mins  |
October - November 2024
The Wedding Singers
GQ India

The Wedding Singers

Madboy Mink's dynamic duo, Saba Azad and Imaad Shah, redefine festive style.

time-read
5 mins  |
October - November 2024
A Watch Is More Than Just a Pretty Face
GQ India

A Watch Is More Than Just a Pretty Face

As collectors look to make their grail watches stand out, they're turning to unique vintage bracelets and paying thousands on thousands for straps on the secondary market.

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
The Fluidity of Cartier
GQ India

The Fluidity of Cartier

Why Gen Z stars are obsessed with this historic maison.

time-read
2 mins  |
October - November 2024
A Princess with Passion
GQ India

A Princess with Passion

From restoring monuments to reviving hereditary crafts, Bhavnagar's Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil has her sights on the future.

time-read
6 mins  |
October - November 2024
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
GQ India

THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ

The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.

time-read
10 mins  |
August - September 2024
DEMNA UNMASKED
GQ India

DEMNA UNMASKED

He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.

time-read
10+ mins  |
August - September 2024