New Delhi, April 1 (HS). Mirabai Chanu has qualified for Paris 2024 after finishing third in Group B of the IWF World Cup 2024, the mandatory qualifying event for the Olympics, held in Phuket, Thailand. The Tokyo 2020 silver medalist lifted a total of 184 kg (81 kg 103 kg) with 5 clean lifts on her return from injury after 6 months.
Mirabai Chanu said in an official statement after the competition, “It feels incredible to be back after injury. Almost every lift I did today felt clean, clear and powerful, and I'm finishing this competition feeling strong and confident. Rehabilitation was difficult, but with the support of everyone involved in my rehabilitation and recovery, I overcame all complications. The journey to get here required tireless dedication and hard work, and I couldn't be happier to be back on the ramp and competing for my country. The goal was to secure my place for the Paris Olympics, and now that I am almost ready for the Paris Olympics, all my focus is on making a mark at the Paris Olympics.”
On Mirabai's performance, coach Vijay Sharma said, “Before this event, our entire focus was completely on her (Mirabai's) rehabilitation. To see her performing comfortably today, seeing her return after six months of injury and rehabilitation, makes me proud of all our hard work. Today, she was comfortable and confident in her lifts.”