New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who became the first Indian in over two decades to clinch a gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, United States.

“Congratulations Mirabai Chanu for winning a gold medal in the World Weightlifting Championship. India is so proud of you. And congratulations Manipur for giving the country such a wonderful series of champion sportswomen!” President Kovind’s tweet read.

Wishing the weightlifter for her future endeavours, PM Modi wrote: “India is proud of Mirabai Chanu, who has won a gold at the World Weightlifting Championship. Congratulations and best wishes for her future endeavours”.

The 23-year-old’s feat is India’s first at the prestigious World Championships since Karnam Malleswari’s medal in 1995.

Chanu, who is employed with the Indian Railways, lifted 85kg in snatch and 109kg in clean and jerk to total an impressive 194kg in the women’s 48kg, in the process setting a new national record.

The Indian pipped the title favourite Thailand’s Sukcharoen Thunya by just one kilogram to clinch the yellow medal.

While Thunya bagged the silver with a total lift of 193, Colombian Segura Ana Iris bagged the bronze with 182kg.

Nearly 400 athletes from about 70 countries and regions, including six reigning Olympic champions, will be competing through December 5 at the competition. This will be the first world championships featuring eight weight categories for both men and women.

Some of the world’s top weightlifting nations such as Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Azerbaijan could not take part in the competition due to issues related to doping.

–IANS
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