Mirabai Chanu Reveals Relentless Dedication: Weightlifting Dominates Mindset, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting Demands Constant Mental Fortitude

NEW DELHI – Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals the relentless mental discipline required to excel in her sport. The silver medalist in the 49kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics admits that the pressures of training and weight management are constant companions, even during time spent with family. Chanu is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We get some rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some time off too, but then got back to training. Spending time with family is important – it’s necessary to relax a little after dedicating so much time to training," Chanu shared on the "Game On" podcast.

"That part was good, but now it's time to face training again. Up next are the Commonwealth Championships, which also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our full focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently geared toward it."

The sacrifices extend beyond just time. "We don’t really get to enjoy traveling. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t really enjoy with my family the way I’d like to—because we have to get back to training. We’ve already given so much time to it, so we have to think about how to recover, how to maintain ourselves... these things are always on my mind. I keep thinking: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like I did before?"

The demands of weightlifting affect even the simplest pleasures. "So honestly, we're always thinking about training—even while eating! We think: if I eat this, what effect will it have? Will I gain fat? Will my weight go up? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

Chanu confessed her love for junk food. "I love junk food—especially pizza! Everyone knows that. But I still can’t eat it. Even when I’m not training, I really feel like eating it, but I stop myself and think, ‘If I eat this, how will tomorrow’s training go?’ I have to maintain my weight, especially keeping it at 50 kg. It’s very tough—training and staying at that weight. So, even when I want something, I have to stop myself and say, ‘Not now, focus on the competition first.’"

Chanu's impressive medal haul includes an Olympic silver, a gold and silver at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships.