Mirabai Chanu Set to Train in Paris Ahead of 2024 Olympics

Dara Singh Chahal

13th Mar 2024: Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu, who clinched the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is gearing up for the upcoming Olympic Games by embarking on a training stint in Paris. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ (MYAS) Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) approved her proposal to train at La Ferte-Milon in Paris, a move aimed at fine-tuning her preparations for the prestigious event.

Chanu, 29, has been out of competition since the 2023 Asian Games due to a hip injury. Her training in Paris, scheduled nearly a month ahead of this year’s Olympics in July-August, will provide her with crucial acclimatization and preparatory sessions.

Accompanied by two coaches and a physiotherapist, Chanu’s training expenses will be covered under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding. Despite her injury setback, Chanu is expected to participate in the 2024 IWF World Cup in Thailand this April, a prerequisite to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Although she hasn’t secured a quota for Paris 2024, Chanu stands in a favorable position to obtain one in the women’s 49kg category, being ranked second in the Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR) for her division. The top 10 athletes in the OQR list by April 28 will secure Paris 2024 quotas for their respective countries.

The MOC also greenlit requests from other athletes, including equestrian Anush Agarwalla, judoka Asmita Dey, shooter Arjun Singh Cheema, and tennis player Sumit Nagal, for financial assistance and support towards their respective competitions and training needs.

Additionally, the MOC approved proposals for badminton players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s video analyst hiring, extension of weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga’s physiotherapist contract, and equipment procurement for track athlete Amoj Jacob.