Mirabai Chanu has an Olympic medal, a world title and years of international success. Yet one major line on her résumé is still blank: she has never won an Asian Games medal.
Why this is surprising
Mirabai has spent much of the last decade as one of India’s most decorated weightlifters. But the Asian Games field has repeatedly been brutal, especially with dominant lifters from North Korea, China and Chinese Taipei.
The gold-medal problem
North Korea’s Ri Song-gum enters as the overwhelming favourite and world-record holder. Her totals place gold significantly beyond Mirabai’s realistic range unless the competition produces a major surprise.
The real battle may be for the podium
That shifts attention to Mirabai’s direct rivals, especially Chinese Taipei’s Fang Wan-ling. Mirabai’s career-best total gives her an advantage on paper, but weightlifting is decided attempt by attempt, where one failed lift can completely reorder the standings.
Why this Asian Games feels different
This is Mirabai’s fourth appearance at the event. At this stage of her career, the goal is less about proving her status and more about completing a medal collection that is already among the best in Indian sport.
What she needs
A clean competition matters more than chasing impossible numbers. If Mirabai can stay within herself, avoid missed attempts and force rivals to respond, a first Asian Games medal is within reach.
Bottom line
Gold may require something extraordinary. But for Mirabai Chanu, simply reaching the Asian Games podium would finally close the most obvious gap in an exceptional career.
Source: The Indian Express
