Manipur gives Mirabai Chanu hero's welcome after historic Asian Games silver

Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu received a hero's welcome in Manipur after returning home with a historic silver medal from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

A large gathering of people, including family members, coaches, government officials, police personnel, friends and local residents, assembled at Imphal International Airport to welcome the Manipuri weightlifter.

Mirabai won the silver medal in the women's 49kg weightlifting category at the Asian Games, lifting a total of 198kg — 87kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk. The medal was her maiden Asian Games podium finish and ended India's 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the continental event.

Speaking to reporters after her arrival, Mirabai described the Asian Games silver as a dream come true, saying the achievement came after years of effort and rigorous training.

She said the achievement was particularly significant because it ended India's long wait for an Asian Games weightlifting medal. Karnam Malleswari had won India's previous Asian Games weightlifting medal in 1998.

Mirabai said she would continue her sporting journey with the upcoming Olympic Games in focus. She is expected to spend around a week in her hometown before resuming training for the Olympic qualification cycle.

The weightlifter also thanked her parents, coaches and supporters for standing by her throughout her career.

"Without the love and support of the people of the state, it would not have been possible for me to reach this level," Mirabai said.

Her Asian Games silver completed a major gap in an already decorated career. She has won Olympic silver, a World Championship gold and multiple Commonwealth Games titles. The Asian Games medal now completes her collection of major international medals.

Mirabai had returned to India on September 29 and was welcomed in New Delhi before travelling to Manipur.

'No difference between boys and girls' in Northeast, says Sarita

Superintendent of Police (Sports) Laishram Sarita, a former international boxer, was also present at the airport welcome.

Speaking about Manipur's sporting culture, Sarita said parents in the Northeast generally support both sons and daughters in pursuing their chosen fields.

She said Mirabai's Asian Games medal was a proud moment for Manipur and highlighted the state's contribution to India's sporting achievements.

Manipur has produced four medallists at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow — Mirabai Chanu won gold in weightlifting, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh won silver in men's weightlifting, Mayengbam Jadumani Singh won silver in boxing and Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi won bronze in women's weightlifting.

At the ongoing Asian Games, Manipur has already celebrated medals from Mirabai and wushu star Naorem Roshibina Devi. Roshibina won silver in the women's 60kg sanda event, becoming the first Indian wushu athlete to win medals at three consecutive Asian Games.

Mirabai's return has added another major sporting moment for Manipur, with the state continuing to play a prominent role in India's campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.