Mirabai Chanu created history on Saturday by winning India's first ever weightlifting silver medal in Olympics, after lifting a total of 202 kg in the women's 49 kg event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Here's what she had to say following her podium finish.
On whether she felt nervous or tense:
Yes, there was a little bit of tension. I was nervous as well, as I knew the country was watching. I had decided to just give my best performance today.
On 2016 performance:
I learnt a lot of my lessons from my performance there, which is why I'm here today. I felt very sad after that Olympics and wanted to make improvements.
On her immediate plans:
After going to India, I will immediately go home as it has been almost two years since I went home.
Whom did you call after winning the medal?
I called the weightlifters who train in Patiala, like Jeremy (Lalrinnunga, 2018 Youth Olympics gold medalist). They were very happy and dancing.
On her clean & jerk attempts:
I was looking to improve on my world record but there was a little bit of discomfort in my back, which is why I couldn't complete the last lift successfully.
On her celebration plans:
I will have to see what coach sir says. The village rules are very strict so we cannot party.
On the improvements she has made in snatch:
I have improved my snatch lifts a lot. I couldn't complete my last lift at 89 kg in snatch but I'm very happy because I have given my best today.
On being very fond of dancing:
Abhi kiya na maine thoda balle balle (I did do a little victory jig after winning the medal).
When did you know that a medal was assured?
Once I successfully completed the second lift in clean & jerk, I knew that a medal was assured.