Mirabai Chanu Reveals Relentless Training Demands, Weight Concerns Impact Family Time

Mirabai Chanu: Training and Weight Concerns Persist Even During Family Time

Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu reveals the constant mental pressure of training and weight management, which lingers even during quality time with her family. The silver medalist in the 49kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We get some rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some rest too, but then got back to training. Spending time with family is very important, especially after dedicating so much time to training – it’s necessary to relax," Mirabai shared on Game On, a podcast series.

"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."

Chanu elaborated on the sacrifices involved in maintaining her peak physical condition.

"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?"

The mental burden of maintaining a strict diet is also significant.

"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 cravings for less healthy foods.

"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 said.

Mirabai Chanu's impressive list of achievements includes an Olympic silver medal, a gold and a silver medal at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships, proving her dedication and sacrifice has yielded significant success in the world of weightlifting.