Imphal: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, the acclaimed weightlifter from Manipur, received a warm and heroic welcome at Imphal Airport on Thursday following her outstanding performance at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where she won a silver medal.
Upon her arrival, Mirabai was received by her parents, relatives, local MLA Kh Ibomcha Singh, officials of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, members of the sports fraternity and a large number of well-wishers.
Mirabai’s silver medal has ended India’s 28-year wait for an Asian Games medal in weightlifting since Karnam Malleswari’s silver at the 1998 Asian Games.
The medal also marks Mirabai’s maiden Asian Games medal, completing an impressive collection of medals from the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
This is Mirabai’s first visit to her home state after her recent silver-medal performances at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. She has won a total of four Commonwealth Games medals, including three gold and one silver.
Speaking to media persons at the airport, Mirabai expressed her gratitude to the people of Manipur for their continued support and encouragement through both the successes and setbacks of her sporting career.
She credited her success to her mother, whom she described as a strong pillar of her career. She also expressed gratitude to her coaches, fellow athletes and well-wishers for their continued support in helping her achieve the milestone.
Asked about the duration of her stay in Manipur, Mirabai said she would spend a week at home before leaving for Delhi.
“I will start training again for the upcoming qualifying sessions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” she said.
Celebrating her daughter’s achievement, Mirabai’s mother, Tombi Saikhom, said the medal was a moment of immense pride and happiness not only for the family but also for the people of Manipur.
With playing drums and pena by local artists, the homecoming of Mirabai gave another memorable experience.