Mirabai Chanu Reveals Relentless Focus: Weightlifting Demands Constant Vigilance, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, has revealed the relentless mental dedication required to compete at the highest level. Even during moments of respite with family, the pressures of training and maintaining optimal weight remain at the forefront of her mind.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships. In a recent interview on the "Game On" podcast series, Mirabai shared insights into her demanding lifestyle.

"We also get a little time to rest, especially after the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some rest too, but then got back to training. But yes, spending time with family is also very important—especially after giving so much time to training—it’s necessary to relax a little," Mirabai stated.

However, the break is often short-lived. "So, that part was good, but now it's time to face training again. Up next is the Commonwealth Championships, which will also act as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. So, our full focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently geared toward it."

The life of a professional athlete often involves sacrifices. "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?"

Even the simple act of eating becomes a strategic calculation. "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."

Mirabai confessed her love for a particular indulgence. "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,’" she explained.

Mirabai Chanu's impressive list of achievements includes:

• Olympic silver medal
• Gold and silver medals at the World Championships
• Two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games
• A bronze at the Asian Championships