Olympic Medalist Mirabai Chanu Mentors India's Young Lifters

When Mirabai Chanu won her third straight Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow, the 190 kg lift was almost routine for India's most decorated weightlifter. What happened after she stepped off the platform tells a far more inspiring story.

The Olympic silver medalist has quietly become a mentor to India's younger lifters, working alongside head coach Vijay Sharma to guide teammates through high-pressure competitions. She translates instructions for Manipuri athletes who struggle with the language barrier and shares hard-won wisdom from her championship career.

"I like helping others," Mirabai told The Indian Express after returning from Glasgow. "Seeing them do well brings me joy."

Five of India's eleven weightlifters at the Commonwealth Games came from Manipur, the northeastern state that has become India's weightlifting powerhouse. For many of them, having a legend in their corner makes all the difference.

Coach Sharma says her presence alone elevates the team. "When someone like Mirabai is trying to motivate them, it really helps because it means a lot that a legend like her is actively trying to contribute to their medals," he explained.

The mentoring extends beyond competitions. Mirabai and Sharma run the Weightlifting Warriors academy together, training only female lifters in a sport women rarely choose. When she coaches young athletes, she shares experiences from her own journey from unassuming teenager to global champion.

Why This Inspires

Champions are often defined by their trophy collections, but Mirabai is building something more valuable than medals. By lifting up the next generation, she's ensuring that India's weightlifting success story continues long after she retires.

Her approach reflects a simple truth: greatness isn't just about personal achievement. Sometimes the most powerful thing a champion can do is turn around and extend a hand to those climbing behind them.

Despite her mentoring duties, Mirabai still has unfinished business. One prize eludes her: an Asian Games medal after finishing fourth in Hangzhou three years ago. In a couple of months, she'll get another chance, competing at 49 kg instead of the challenging 48 kg division from Glasgow.

"I have won every medal that I wanted to win, save for one," she said, her focus already shifting to the next challenge while her teammates benefit from everything she's learned along the way.