Proud to represent fellow weightlifters: Mirabai Chanu on being named IWLF Athletes’ Commission Chairperson
Mirabai Chanu expressed heartfelt gratitude after being elected as the Chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission of the IWLF.
- NEW DELHI — Olympic
silver medallist Mirabai Chanu expressed heartfelt gratitude after being
elected as the Chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission of the Indian
Weightlifting Federation (IWLF).
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- Mirabai, one of India’s most decorated weightlifters, will
be joined by Sathish Kumar, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who
was named Vice-Chairperson of the Commission. Their term will last for four
years, during which they will serve as a bridge between the athletes and the
governing body.
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- "I express my immense gratitude to the Indian
Weightlifting Federation for electing me as the Chairperson of the Athletes
Commission of the federation. I am extremely grateful to Sahdev Yadav Sir for
showcasing faith in me. I also thank the committee members for unanimously
voting for me,” said Mirabai Chanu.
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- “The opportunity to represent and uphold the voice of fellow
weightlifters is a matter of great pride for me. I also wish to thank my coach
Vijay Sir, for their constant support and guidance over the years. I pledge to
take the responsibilities that come with the role seriously. I will work
towards spreading the athletes' voice and viewpoints across all key channels to
ensure we can continue to dedicatedly focus on the sport without being
distracted by external factors.”
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- The 29-year-old Chanu’s appointment is a significant moment
in Indian weightlifting. Having brought global recognition to the country
through her achievements — including a silver medal at Tokyo 2020 and a World
Championship gold in 2017 — she brings unmatched experience and leadership to
the Commission. Her national records in the 49kg category, with best lifts of
88kg in snatch and 119kg in clean and jerk, further testify to her legacy.
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- Sathish, who lifted a combined 317kg to win gold at the 2018
Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, follows up on his 2014 triumph in Glasgow.
His experience will be crucial as the IWLF looks to strengthen athlete
representation and welfare.
