Mirabai Chanu Reveals Relentless Focus: Weightlifting, Training Dominate Even Family Time

Mirabai Chanu: Training and Weight Always on My Mind, Even with Family

Mirabai Chanu is the newest guest on the Game On podcast.

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

"We get a little time to rest after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I take some rest, but then get back to training. Spending time with family is important, especially after dedicating so much time to training; it’s necessary to relax," Chanu shared on the "Game On" podcast.

"That part was good, but now it's time to face training again. The Commonwealth Championships are next, serving as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our full focus and preparations are geared towards that," she added.

Chanu elaborated on the sacrifices required. "We don’t really get to enjoy traveling. I go out sometimes, but I can’t fully enjoy it with my family because we have to get back to training. We've already invested so much time, so we have to think about recovery and maintenance. These thoughts are always on my mind. I keep thinking: When should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like before?"

"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."

Chanu confessed her love for junk food. "I love junk food—especially pizza! Everyone knows that. But I still can’t eat it. Even when I’m not training, I 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.’"

Chanu's impressive medal collection includes an Olympic silver, a gold and a silver at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships.