Mirabai Chanu dominated the 49kg category here on Saturday, expected to defend her Commonwealth Games title and give India its first gold medal of the Birmingham edition. The Olympic silver medalist stamped her authority in the competition with a total of 201kg (88kg + 113kg) and secured a Commonwealth Games record in the process.
“I am very happy. I broke the record in the 48kg category (in 2018), now the 49kg record is also to win the gold. I am very happy with my performance. It was my biggest competition since the Tokyo Olympics,” So I am happy that I was able to win India’s first gold at CWG 2022,” Meera Bai told broadcaster Sony after winning the gold medal.
“My preparation going into the competition was good and I knew that I was competing against myself and it was like a fight for me. My goal was to touch 90kg in Snitch, and I was confident that I could make that weight. will be able to lift. Nevertheless, I am happy with the performance. I will celebrate it well, and I hope all our athletes do well and win many medals here,” she said. added.
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When asked about her next plans, she said: “The World Championships is my next target and I will try and do better than what I did here and aim to break the world record which I made it to the Worlds. I dedicate this medal to my coach and my family – they have supported me throughout my life, always encouraging me and my federation.
A heavy favorite in his weight category, the 27-year-old Chanu cleared the opening weight for 80kg in the snatch and 105 in the clean and jerk before changing his first attempt to 84kg. Going into the competition, he lifted personal bests of 88kg and 119kg, a world record in the clean and jerk, for a total of 207kg. Her closest rival in the field, Stella Kingsley of Nigeria, came into the competition with a personal best of 168kg (72kg+96kg), summing up the gap between her and the rest.
The atmosphere at the NEC arena was electric, forcing the players to give their best to the music while entertaining the fans. As the MC also pointed out, putting Chanu head and shoulders above the rest, the walkout was more about competing with himself than his opponents. Chanu’s first attempt at Snatch was comfortable before he lifted 88kg in his second before dropping 90kg for his third and final attempt. She was unable to record a new personal best but still edged Ranaiosova by 12 kg in the clean and jerk.
The clean and jerk began in dramatic fashion when Bangladesh’s Marija Akhtar fell to the floor after an unsuccessful attempt at 70kg. His closest rivals tried 15 kg less than Chano, the results already showed.
The battle for the silver and bronze medals was fought between Kingsley, Kaminski and Ranaiosa. It was a heartbreaking finish for Nigerian lifter Kingsley whose 98kg effort was ruled a no-lift after a premature celebration.
Chanu comfortably lifted 109 kg in his first attempt and 113 kg in his second attempt. He didn’t risk matching his world record of 119kg and went for 115kg in his final lift, but missed.
The silver medal went to Marie Hanitra Rovelia Ranaivusu of Mauritius (172 kg) and the bronze medal went to Canada’s Hina Kaminski (171 kg). In a spectacular performance, Chinnu broke the Commonwealth (Commonwealth Championship and CWG) and Games records in a snitch. He also broke the Games record in the clean and jerk as well as the total lift.
(with input from agencies)
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