Olympics heartbreak drives Mirabai to weightlifting gold

DHAKA, April 5 (NsNewsWire) — India’s Chanu Saikhom Mirabai won gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting, setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the process with a total lift of 196kg.

Mauritius’ Marie Hanitra Roilya Ranaivosoa took silver, while Sri Lanka’s Dinusha Gomes claimed bronze.

“I came here with the ambition of breaking my own record and I am glad I made it happen,” Mirabai said.

“I was devastated after not winning a medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, I made it my life mission to become the best in my sport.”

The 23-year-old took silver at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, before qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women’s 48kg category, but didn’t perform how she wanted.

It was a massive moment in her career.

“I am my biggest opponent, I strive to always beat my best records to ensure that I keep progressing forward,” she said.

“After the world championships, I started my training in Melbourne both mentally and physically.

“I am very happy and excited that I have achieved this. The crowd made me feel very at home.”