Mirabai Chanu Finds New Motivation in Coaching Young Weightlifters After Commonwealth Gold

India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu says her greatest source of motivation today is no longer the medals she wins but the young girls she mentors every day at her Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modinagar.

Fresh from winning her third Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow, the Olympic silver medallist reflected on how coaching aspiring athletes has reignited her passion for the sport while giving her career a renewed sense of purpose.

Key Highlights

• Mirabai Chanu won her third Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow.
• The Olympic silver medallist now trains nearly 40 young girls at her academy in Modinagar.
• She says coaching the next generation motivates her as much as competition.
• Chanu is now focused on winning an elusive Asian Games medal.
• She is expected to compete in the 53kg category after the Asian Games.

Commonwealth Gold Meant More Than Another Medal

Mirabai Chanu's latest triumph in Glasgow marked another major milestone in an already decorated career.

The victory completed her third Commonwealth Games gold and came after years of overcoming injuries, weight-category adjustments, and the disappointment of narrowly missing an Olympic medal at the Paris Games.

For Chanu, however, the emotional moment represented much more than another addition to her medal collection.

She said the journey, resilience, and people who supported her throughout the years made the victory especially meaningful.

Coaching Young Girls Gives Her New Motivation

Two years after the Paris Olympics, Chanu and national coach Vijay Sharma established the Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh.

The academy focuses exclusively on training girls, reflecting a long-held dream of encouraging more young women to take up weightlifting.

According to Chanu, nearly 40 girls, mostly between the ages of 8 and 14, currently train at the academy.

The athletes come from different parts of India, including Manipur, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, and several other states.

'They Motivate Me Every Day'

Chanu says training alongside the children reminds her of her own early days in the sport.

Rather than viewing herself solely as a coach, she believes the young athletes inspire her just as much as she inspires them.

Every training session allows her to revisit her own journey while sharing lessons she has learned through years of international competition.

She says passing on those experiences has become one of the most rewarding chapters of her career.

Supporting Athletes Beyond the Platform

Chanu's mentorship extends beyond her academy.

During the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, she remained with the Indian contingent even after completing her own events.

She supported fellow athletes, particularly competitors from Manipur, helping bridge language barriers and offering encouragement during competition.

According to Chanu, helping teammates perform at their best is as fulfilling as winning medals herself.

Asian Games Now Her Biggest Goal

Despite an already remarkable career featuring Olympic and Commonwealth success, Chanu says one achievement still remains unfinished.

Her immediate focus is winning a medal at the Asian Games, one of the few major titles missing from her collection.

Her previous Asian Games campaign was affected by a hip injury that later impacted her preparations for the Paris Olympics.

She now hopes to return stronger and finally achieve that milestone.

Moving to the 53kg Category

Following the Asian Games, Mirabai Chanu is expected to move to the 53kg weight category.

The transition is expected to reduce the intense weight-cutting routines she has followed throughout much of her career, potentially helping extend her competitive longevity ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Why This Matters

Mirabai Chanu's journey reflects the evolution of an elite athlete from champion to mentor.

By investing in young talent while continuing to compete at the highest level, she is helping shape the future of Indian weightlifting while pursuing her own remaining ambitions.

Her academy also represents a growing effort to encourage greater participation of girls in strength sports across India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where does Mirabai Chanu train young weightlifters?

She co-founded the Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, along with national coach Vijay Sharma.

2. How many students train at Mirabai Chanu's academy?

Around 40 girls, aged between 8 and 14 years, currently train at the academy.

3. What is Mirabai Chanu's next major target?

She is focused on winning an Asian Games medal, one of the few major achievements still missing from her career.

4. Why is Mirabai Chanu expected to move to the 53kg category?

The move is expected to reduce the physical strain of repeated weight cuts and help prepare her for future international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

5. How many Commonwealth Games gold medals has Mirabai Chanu won?

She has now won three Commonwealth Games gold medals, cementing her status as one of India's most successful weightlifters.