Indian weightlifting legend Mirabai Chanu has been elected as the chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF), marking another milestone in her decorated career.
Joining her in leadership is S. Sathish Kumar, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who has been appointed vice-chairperson. Their term will last four years.
Chanu, the first Indian weightlifter to win silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, also holds multiple national records, including a total lift of 205kg (86kg in snatch + 119kg in clean and jerk). She previously ended India’s 22-year wait for a gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in 2017.
Sathish Kumar, a dominant force in Indian weightlifting, clinched gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games with a remarkable total lift of 317kg (144kg snatch + 173kg clean and jerk). His leadership in the IWLF Athletes’ Commission will play a crucial role in advocating for the needs of Indian weightlifters.
Chanu expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead and vowed to support fellow athletes. “Weightlifting has given me so much, and now I want to contribute by ensuring the best environment for future champions,” she said.
With this appointment, Chanu continues to inspire and elevate the sport, paving the way for new generations of Indian weightlifters to shine on the global stage.
