Manipuri weightlifter Bindyarani secured her second consecutive Commonwealth Games medal by clinching bronze in the 58 kg category at the Glasgow CWG. Lifting a combined total of 199 kg, she successfully returned to the podium on the international stage. This achievement builds upon her stellar performance at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she captured the silver medal in the 55 kg weight division with a total lift of 202 kg. Her continuous success spotlights a story of resilience, mentorship, and determination that shaped her athletic career.
Overcoming Financial Struggles and the 'Mirabai Chanu 2.0' Title
Hailing from Manipur, Bindyarani honed her skills at the very same sports academy that produced Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu. Her sharp technique and shared training background earned her the moniker 'Mirabai Chanu 2.0' in sporting circles. Bindyarani has long revered Mirabai as her role model, while Mirabai readily embraced the role of mentor and senior guiding force. During the formative years of her career, Bindyarani faced severe financial limitations. The situation was critical enough that she lacked the necessary funds to purchase specialized weightlifting shoes. Upon learning of her situation, Mirabai stepped in personally to buy her high-quality weightlifting footwear.
Technical Refinement, Nutrition, and Disciplined Training
Beyond providing essential financial support, Mirabai Chanu invested significant effort into honing Bindyarani's technical execution. She personally guided Bindyarani through perfecting her lifting style, correcting barbell movement, and mastering lifting mechanics. In the early stages of her career, Bindyarani was less attentive to competitive dietary requirements. Mirabai stepped in to educate her on elite athlete discipline, proper nutrition, and structured diet plans, which proved pivotal in maintaining consistent physical performance.
A Trail of International Honors
Bindyarani's competitive career features numerous milestones across prestigious international events. Before her double Commonwealth Games triumphs, she made headline news at the 2021 World Weightlifting Championships, taking the gold medal in the 55 kg clean and jerk category. She followed up this performance with a silver medal finish at the 2023 Asian Weightlifting Championships. Her winning streak extends back to 2019, when she claimed the gold medal at the South Asian Games, cementing her status as one of the country's most reliable lifters.
