Olympic and world champion weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu received a rousing and emotional reception upon touching down at Imphal Airport on Thursday. Returning to her home state of Manipur following a remarkable silver-medal performance at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the champion athlete was greeted by ecstatic crowds celebrating her historic triumph.
Celebratory Scenes and Traditional Music at Imphal Airport
An extensive gathering assembled at the terminal to welcome the star lifter. The reception party included her parents, relatives, local MLA Kh Ibomcha Singh, high-ranking officials from the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, prominent members of the regional sporting fraternity, and countless devoted supporters. The homecoming took on a festive cultural resonance as local artistes performed traditional music, beating drums and playing the pena while jubilant fans cheered her arrival.
Ending a 28-Year Asian Games Weightlifting Drought
Chanu's podium finish in Japan represents a historic milestone for Indian athletics, securing the nation's first weightlifting medal at the Asian Games in 28 years. India had not reached the podium in the discipline since the 1998 Asian Games, when Karnam Malleswari captured a silver medal. The achievement also marked Chanu's very first Asian Games medal, successfully completing an enviable collection of premier international accolades across the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.
A Decorated Career Across Global Platforms
The Manipur-born weightlifter boasts four Commonwealth Games medals over her illustrious career, consisting of three gold and one silver. Her arrival on Thursday marked her first trip back to Manipur after earning back-to-back silver medals at both the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the recent Asian Games in Japan.
Gratitude for Family and Lifelong Backers
Addressing the gathering, Chanu expressed deep gratitude to the people of Manipur, commending them for standing firmly behind her throughout her sporting career through times of high triumph as well as difficult setbacks. She reserved special appreciation for her mother, Tombi Saikhom, describing her as an essential pillar of strength on her athletic journey. Chanu also thanked her coaching staff, training peers, and fans for their consistent support in helping her achieve this latest international honour. Her mother, Tombi Saikhom, reflected on the achievement by describing the Asian Games silver as a deeply emotional milestone that brings immense pride to both their household and Manipur.
Upcoming Roadmap and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Prep
Outlining her immediate schedule, Chanu stated that she intends to remain in Manipur for roughly one week to rest before flying to Delhi. Her break will be brief, as she plans to resume rigorous training shortly to prepare for the qualifying tournaments leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
