Mirabai Chanu is going to carry on the legacy of some of the greatest names in Indian weightlifting history. The Manipuri weightlifter raised India’s flag by winning silver in the Olympics. However, before Chanu rose to prominence, the sport had seen some ground-breaking athletes. Let’s know more about the best female weightlifters India has presented so far.
Karnam Malleswari
Karnam Malleswari’s name will always go down as a legend as the very first Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal. At the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Karnam lifted 110kg in the ‘snatch’ category and 130kg in the ‘clean and jerk’ category, for a total of 240kg and a bronze medal. It was also the beginning of a new era for Indian weightlifting.
Kunjarani Devi
Manipur-based Devi is among India’s most celebrated weightlifters. She, on the other hand, hasn’t ever won the gold medal at the mega-events. Devi made her debut in 1985, competing in the 44, 46, and 48kg weight classes. The former Indian police captain was indeed a National Champion in all 3 categories. She took home seven awards at the World Championships, all of which were silver. She has also bagged 2 bronze medals at the Asian Games.
Neelam Setti Laxmi
Neelam Setti Laxmi dominated the 69kg category on the world stage. Laxmi had some remarkable performances throughout major events from 1995 to 2002, despite not having a large medal haul. Laxmi won a silver medal in the ‘snatch’ and ‘clean and jerk’ events at the 1995 World Championships with a total lift of 175kg. She also finished second in the 1997 World Championships. She won 3 silver medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, one for finishing second in the ‘snatch’ category, the ‘clean and jerk’ category, and a substantial amount. The last version to grant distinct medals for each category was the 2002 Manchester Games.
Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu
Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu has made great strides since she began weightlifting in 2006. In addition, she looks up to her provincial and senior Kunjarani Devi for motivation. Chanu first came to public attention in 2014, when she won a gold medal in the 48kg clean and jerk tournament with a total lift of 173kg. She also came within two kilograms of breaking Augustina Nkem Nwaokolo’s 2010 Games record.
