New Delhi, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mirabai Chanu opened up about the emotional journey behind her Glasgow triumph during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with India’s CWG 2026 medallists, recalling the injuries, family difficulties and disappointment of missing a medal at the Paris Olympics.
Chanu, who won gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting category at the Glasgow Games, told Modi that years of setbacks made the moment she stood on the podium particularly overwhelming.
“When I was standing on the podium, and when our flag was raised, and when our national anthem was played, I couldn’t stop myself from crying,” Chanu said.
Modi acknowledged the emotion behind her achievement, telling the weightlifter that her tears reflected the significance of the victory.
“You have made everyone proud. So many tears were falling. I feel like a gold medal is falling from every drop of tears,” the Prime Minister said.
Chanu said she was reminded of her disappointment at the Paris Olympics while celebrating the Glasgow victory.
“I was very happy and emotional on that day. I was very happy. And I cried because I lost my medal in the Paris Olympics. And a player has to face so many things in life, and I faced so many things in these four years,” she told Modi.
The Manipuri athlete said the period following the Tokyo Olympics had been particularly difficult, with injuries frequently affecting her preparations. She also spoke about challenges within her family.
“I was prone to injuries all the time. And I was facing family problems as well. The last four years were very difficult,” Chanu said.
Her Glasgow gold marked a return to the top at the Commonwealth Games after a challenging four-year period that included the disappointment of the Paris Olympics.
Modi hosted India’s CWG 2026 medallists at his New Delhi residence on Sunday and interacted with members of the contingent following their campaign in Glasgow. India finished fourth in the overall medal standings at the Games.
FOLLOW NOW
