Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is a premier Indian weightlifter, an Olympic silver medalist, and a former World Champion who has redefined the country's footprint on the international sporting map. Famous for her grit and extraordinary iron grip, she made headlines across the globe after winning India's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games with a landmark performance. Her journey from gathering heavy firewood in a tiny Manipuri village to dominating global podiums continues to inspire millions of fitness enthusiasts and aspiring athletes worldwide.
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Biography
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saikhom Mirabai Chanu |
| Nickname | Mira |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Nongpok Kakching, Imphal East, Manipur, India |
| Hometown | Nongpok Kakching, Imphal East, Manipur, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism (Reported) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Height | 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) |
| Weight | 49 kg (Competition Category) |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Profession | Professional Weightlifter, Additional Superintendent of Police (Manipur Police) |
| Sport | Olympic Weightlifting |
| Weight Category | Women's 49 kg |
| Playing / Competition Style | Olympic Weightlifting (Snatch & Clean and Jerk) |
| Debut Project / Career Milestone | 2013 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships (Penang/Batu Uban) |
| Years Active | 2011 – Present (International Level) |
| Known For | Olympic silver medalist, World Champion, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and one of India's greatest weightlifters |
| Education | Graduate (Reported) |
| Coach | Vijay Sharma |
| Languages Known | Meiteilon (Manipuri), Hindi, English |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse / Relationship Status | Unmarried / Single |
| Father's Name | Saikhom Kriti Meitei |
| Mother's Name | Saikhom Ongbi Tombi Leima |
| Residence | Imphal, Manipur, India |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹12–15 Crore INR ($1.5–1.8 Million USD) |
| Income Sources | Government salary, tournament prize money, endorsements, sponsorships, awards, and public appearances |
| Employer | Manipur Police (Additional Superintendent of Police) |
| Olympic Achievement | Silver Medal – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021) |
| World Championship Achievement | Gold Medal – 2017 World Weightlifting Championships |
| Commonwealth Games Achievements | Multiple Gold Medals, including Gold at the 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games |
| Major Awards & Honours | Padma Shri (2018), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2018), Arjuna Award (2018), and several state and national honours |
| Hobbies | Listening to music, travelling, fitness training, and spending time with family |
| Favourite Food | Traditional Manipuri cuisine |
| Favourite Athlete | Kunjarani Devi (Reported inspiration) |
| Training Routine | Intensive strength training, Olympic lifting drills, |
Early Life And Family
Born into a humble Meitei family in the rural hamlet of Nongpok Kakching near Imphal, Manipur, Mirabai Chanu's early life was grounded in simplicity and hard work. Her father, Saikhom Kriti Meitei, worked as a lower-tier employee in the state Public Works Department, while her mother, Saikhom Ongbi Tombi Leima, ran a small tea shop to help keep the household afloat. As the youngest of six siblings, Mirabai grew up assisting her family with daily domestic chores, which unknowingly laid the raw foundation for her supreme physical strength.
Her natural talent came to light at just 12 years old. While collecting firewood from nearby hills, her elder brother struggled to lift heavy bundles, but young Mirabai picked them up and carried them home effortlessly. Recognizing her unusual power, her family encouraged her interest in sports. Initially fascinated by archery, she switched to weightlifting after visiting a local sports center in Imphal and reading about legendary Indian lifter Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi. Despite financial constraints that made basic protein-rich diets a luxury, her mother sold family trinkets and managed resources so Mirabai could pursue professional coaching.
Career
Mirabai’s international journey kicked off on a high note when she won gold at the 2013 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, followed quickly by a silver medal in the 48 kg category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. However, her sports career hit a massive roadblock during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Overcome by nerves and technical glitches, she failed to log a single successful lift in the Clean & Jerk section, leading to an unranked finish that drew intense public criticism.
Rather than stepping away, Mirabai channelled her heartbreak into raw determination, mounting one of the most remarkable comebacks in Indian sporting history:
- 2017 World Championships Gold: She silenced critics by claiming the gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, lifting a total of 194 kg (85 kg Snatch + 109 kg Clean & Jerk). She became only the second Indian lifter after Karnam Malleswari to achieve this feat.
- 2018 Commonwealth Games Dominance: At Gold Coast, she won gold in the 48 kg division, breaking games records across snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift.
- World Record Lift (2021): At the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, she set a World Record in the Clean & Jerk category for 49 kg by lifting 119 kg, bringing her total lift to 205 kg.
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics Silver: Delivering her signature moment, she clinched the silver medal in the 49 kg category with a total lift of 202 kg, becoming the first Indian weightlifter to earn an Olympic silver.
- Continued Global Podium Success: Following another gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, she battled injuries to secure silver at the 2022 World Championships. She maintained top-tier status across world events, crowned by a stellar showing at the 2025 World Championships in Forde, Norway, where she bagged silver with a total lift of 199 kg.
- Historic Hat-Trick: Expanding her international haul, Mirabai sealed a historic third Commonwealth Games gold medal by putting on a dominant display in the 48 kg category in Glasgow, setting new event records in the process.
Net Worth And Lifestyle
Mirabai Chanu’s financial standing reflects her elite athletic success and national icon status. Estimates place her net worth in the range of ₹12 to ₹15 Crore INR ($1.5 to $1.8 Million USD).
Primary Income Sources
- Government Rewards & Cash Prizes: Following her Olympic and World Championship victories, she received millions in cash awards from central and state governments, along with sports ministries.
- Salaried Roles: She holds the prestigious post of Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) with the Manipur Police Department, providing stable long-term financial security.
- Brand Endorsements: As a prominent female athlete, Mirabai represents top global and Indian brands, including Adidas, Mobil India, Mobilvis, and various health and wellness labels.
Lifestyle & Assets
Despite her wealth, Mirabai maintains a humble, modest lifestyle centered around her family and training facilities. Following her Tokyo Olympic success, she bought a spacious, modern home for her parents in Manipur, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Her personal garage features practical luxury vehicles gifted by sponsors or purchased for comfort, including a Hyundai Alcazar and a customized bike.
Lesser-Known Facts & Trivia
- Truck Drivers' Lifeline: During her early training days in Imphal, her home was 20 kilometers away from the gym. Lacking bus fare, truck drivers hauling sand on the highway gave her daily lifts to the facility. After winning her Olympic medal, she tracked down and felicitated over 150 truck drivers with food, clothes, and traditional Manipuri shawls.
- Special Olympic Earrings: During her silver medal victory in Tokyo, she wore gold earrings shaped like the iconic Olympic rings. The jewelry was a special gift from her mother, who had sold her own family gold years earlier to fund Mirabai's training.
- Passion for Archery: Weightlifting wasn't her first choice. As a kid, she wanted to pursue archery because it looked neat and stylish, but lack of local archery equipment prompted her to shift to weightlifting.
- Honored with National Civilian Awards: She has received India's highest sporting honor, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2018), as well as the Padma Shri (2018), one of India's top civilian honors.
- Mental Resilience Training: After her tragic 2016 Rio performance, she worked closely with sports psychologists and physical therapists in the United States to restructure her lifting mechanics and overcome mental blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Mirabai Chanu’s height and weight category?
Mirabai Chanu stands 1.50 meters tall (4 feet 11 inches). She primarily competes in the 48 kg and 49 kg weight divisions in international competitions.
What is Mirabai Chanu’s best total lift in weightlifting?
Her personal best and national record total lift stands at 205 kg (86 kg Snatch + 119 kg Clean & Jerk), which she set at the 2020 Asian Weightlifting Championships.
Which major awards has Mirabai Chanu won?
She was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2018) and the Padma Shri (2018) by the Government of India for her exceptional achievements on the world stage.
Is Mirabai Chanu married?
No, Mirabai Chanu is currently unmarried and remains fully dedicated to her professional sports career and international competitions.