Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting Star Reveals Constant Pressure of Training and Weight Control, Even During Family Time

India's celebrated weightlifter, Mirabai Chanu, reveals the relentless demands of her sport, stating that the pressures of training and weight management are ever-present, even during family time. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, competing in the 49kg category, is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We do get some rest, particularly after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some time off too, but then I returned to training," Mirabai shared on the "Game On" podcast. "Spending time with family is crucial, especially after dedicating so much time to training—it's important to relax a bit."

She continued, "That aspect was good, but now it's time to refocus on training. The Commonwealth Championships are next, which also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our complete focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently directed toward it."

Mirabai also highlighted the sacrifices involved in maintaining her rigorous training schedule. "We don’t really get to enjoy traveling. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t really enjoy with my family the way I’d like to—because we have to get back to training. We’ve already given so much time to it, so we have to think about how to recover, how to maintain ourselves... these things are always on my mind. I keep thinking: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like I did before?"

The weightlifter elaborated on the constant mental calculations related to her diet. "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."

Mirabai confessed her love for junk food, particularly pizza, but acknowledges the need for restraint. "I love junk food—especially pizza! Everyone knows that. But I still can’t eat it. Even when I’m not training, I really 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,’" she explained.

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