Mirabai Chanu made the 49kg category her own, culminating in an Olympic silver, but 2022 will see the weightlifter battle bigger challenges and opponents, literally.
Moving from 49kg to 55kg going forward, Mirabai however insists it won’t mean her getting bulkier. “I will have to work harder, lift more weight but changing weight categories doesn’t mean I will change physically. I will look to maintain my body weight like before, at 50-51kg. It will be tougher to lift heavier weights but I am working more on my techniques and strength than own weight,” the Manipur girl told The Hindu.
“Also, in 49kg I know everyone and their strengths and weaknesses but in 55kg it will all change, there will be newer, stronger opponents so I know I will have to fight a lot harder for a medal in this category and I am preparing for that,” she added.
