Mirabai Chanu Reveals Constant Weightlifting Pressure: Training and Diet Dominate Even Family Time

NEW DELHI: Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals the constant pressure of training and weight management, which occupies her thoughts even during family time. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

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

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

"That aspect was good, but now it's time to get back to training. Next is the Commonwealth Championships, which also serves as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our complete focus is on that, and our preparations are entirely directed towards it."

She added, "We don't really get to enjoy traveling. I do go out occasionally, but I can't fully enjoy it with my family as I'd like because we have to return to training. We've already invested so much time, so we have to consider recovery and maintenance. These thoughts are always present. I constantly wonder: when should I resume training? Will I be able to perform as well as before?"

"So honestly, we're always thinking about training – even while eating! We consider: if I eat this, what will be the impact? Will I gain fat? Will my weight increase? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

"I love junk food – particularly 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 said.

Mirabai'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, solidifying her position as a top weightlifter.