First Silver Medal: Manipur Chanu Saikhom Mirabai has made India proud by her historic triumph in Tokyo-Olympics-2020. On the opening day itself she won Silver Medal in the 49 kg category of women’s weight lifting. As per reports from Press Trust of India, she lifted a total of 202 kg. (87+115). She returned on July 26 after a stupendous achievement.
Mira was born in a poor family in a hamlet near Imphal, Manipur State as the youngest among six children. Her father was a woodcutter, struggling to eke out a living. As a little girl, she had spent her childhood in cutting and gathering chopped wood from the hill side.
Since 2009 she has been winning prizes in several weight lifting competitions. She was undeterred by her failure in 2016 Rio Games. She missed the Asian games in 2018 because of her spinal problem. Her self confidence and perseverance have brought her laurels today. She has proved that “never-say-die” spirit is essential for advancement in life.
First Indian Woman to win 2 Medals in Olympic: In Tokyo Olympic 2020, the Indian player P.V. Sindhu has won the Bronze Medal in Badminton-single game. She had already won silver medal in Rio Olympic 2016. She is the second Indian player next to Sushil Kumar (Boxing) and the FIRST Indian Woman player to win 2 medals in Olympic games.
Congratulations & encouragement: M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, conveyed his hearty congratulations to the both upon their absolutely amazing triumphs.
Among 11 sports persons who have gone to Tokyo Olympics from Tamil Nadu, Subha Venkatesan and Dhanalakshmi are badly in need of placement. They hail from poor families. Upon their return, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is likely to offer them suitable jobs in the State government sector.