Mirabai Chanu: Relentless Training and Weight Concerns Dominate Life, Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu Reveals Training and Weight Concerns Persist Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, has opened up about the relentless pressures of training and weight management that constantly occupy her mind, even when she is with her family. The silver medalist in the 49kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is currently preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

"We do get some time to rest, especially after events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I also took some rest, but then I got back to training. Spending time with family is very important, especially after dedicating so much time to training – it’s essential to relax a bit," Mirabai shared on "Game On," a podcast series.

"That aspect was good, but now it's time to get back to training. The Commonwealth Championships are next, which will also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. So, our entire focus is on that, and all our preparations are currently directed towards it."

The life of a professional athlete involves sacrifices, as Mirabai explains: "We don’t really get to enjoy traveling. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t fully enjoy it with my family the way I’d like to – because we have to get back to training. We’ve already dedicated so much time to it, so we have to think about recovery and maintenance. These things are always on my mind. I keep thinking: when should I restart training? Will I be able to perform like I did before?"

The mental discipline extends to dietary choices as well. "So honestly, we're always thinking about training—even while eating! We think: if I eat this, what effect will it have? Will I gain fat? Will my weight go up? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

Mirabai confessed her love for junk food, particularly pizza. "I love junk food—especially pizza! Everyone knows that. But I still can’t eat it. Even when I’m not training, I really feel like eating it, but I stop myself and think, ‘If I eat this, how will tomorrow’s training go?’ I have to maintain my weight, especially keeping it at 50 kg. It’s very tough—training and staying at that weight. So, even when I want something, I have to stop myself and say, ‘Not now, focus on the competition first,’" she said.

Mirabai Chanu's impressive medal collection includes an Olympic silver, a gold and a silver at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships.