Mirabai Chanu's Asian Games silver brings pride to Manipur, India: CM

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday congratulated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu on winning a silver medal at the Asian Games in Japan, saying her achievement had brought immense pride to the state and the country.

Chanu, who hails from Manipur, completed her Asian Games medal collection by winning silver in the women's 49kg event on Wednesday.

The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist totalled 198kg, lifting 88kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk. Her medal was India's first in Asian Games weightlifting since Karnam Malleswari won bronze in 1998.

In a social media post, Khemchand said, "Heartiest congratulations to our pride of Manipur, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, on winning the Silver Medal in the Women's 49kg Weightlifting event at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with a remarkable total lift of 198kg."

"Her strength, determination and perseverance have once again brought immense pride to Manipur and India," he said.

Manipur Police, where Chanu serves as an Additional SP (Sports), also congratulated her and said her silver had ended India's 28-year wait for an Asian Games weightlifting medal.

"Manipur Police salutes Padma Shri Mirabai Chanu on winning the Silver Medal in Women's 49kg Weightlifting at the Asian Games 2026, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan today with a total lift of 198kg. You have completed your medal set and ended India's 28-year wait for an Asian Games weightlifting medal. The entire nation, especially Manipur, is proud of you," it said.

The force also congratulated Naorem Roshibina Devi, a deputy SP in Manipur Police, for winning silver in the women's Sanda 60kg Wushu event at the Asian Games.

According to Manipur Police, Roshibina has become the first Indian Wushu player to win medals at three consecutive Asian Games.