Former world champion Mirabai Chanu made a splendid return to the weightlifting arena, setting a new world record in clean and jerk while also bettering her own national record en route winning a bronze medal at the Asian Championship in Tashkent on April 17.
The Manipuri lifter also confirmed her Tokyo Olympic spot as she has now competed in the six mandatory qualifying events.
The 26-year-old lifted 86kg in snatch and a world record of 119kg in clean and jerk for a total of 205kg.
While the earlier clean and jerk world record was 118kg, Chanu’s personal best total in 49kg was 203kg (88kg+115kg) at the national championship in February last year.
“I am happy with my performance at the Asian Championship 2021. Thank you everyone for your love and support. I will continue to work hard and improve myself,” Chanu wrote on her Twitter page.
I am happy with my performance at the Asian Championship 2021. Thank you everyone for your love and support. I will continue to work hard and improve myself. pic.twitter.com/9pJERrVj80
— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) April 18, 2021
Competing at an international tournament after more than a year, the former world champion was off to a shaky start as she failed to lift 85kg in her first two snatch attempts.
The diminutive Manipuri then lifted 86kg in her final attempt. However, she finished fourth best, behind Zhihui (96kg), Huihua (89kg) and Aisah Windy Cantika (87kg) of Indonesia.
Chanu began her clean and jerk with a 113kg and then lifted 117kg successfully for her personal best. The Indian then bettered her own performance, hoisting 119kg, more than twice her body weight.
