When Mirabai Chanu’s event was going on, I was eagerly waiting for her medal-winning moment because I was sure of her winning the medal. I had also ordered sweets but did not reveal it to anyone. I am glad that after 21 years, India got a medal through Mirabai Chanu. This medal will inspire other players in Tokyo too. I am doubly happy that Mirabai not only repeated the work which I had done 21 years ago but also changed the color of the medal. I am sure that this feat will happen again in the next Olympics and once again the color of the medal will change.
Well, records are meant to be broken as soon as they are made. Records will be broken, only then new talent will emerge. It has been proved that there is no dearth of talent in India. In the last Olympics, there was a long wait for the first medal. Now this medal will prove to be a tonic for the rest of the athletes as well. All I would like to say to the entire team including the Indian weightlifters is to have faith in your mind. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Think about doing your best with a free mind. Thinking too much about the medal, sometimes the pressure increases too much, which also affects the performance.
Winning a medal in the Olympics is not only important for a player, but it is also a matter of pride for the entire sports community. All the schemes of the Sports Ministry should be given credit for this success.
Along with the hard work of the coaches, all the schemes of the Sports Authority of India, TOPS scheme have also played an important role in preparing the players from India at this level. By the way, this time I predict that India will get medals up to the number of ten, and I hope our players will not let me down.
Writer is the India’s first woman Olympic medalist
