'Couldn't stop crying': Chanu opens up to PM Narendra Modi on emotional CWG gold
New Delhi, Aug 10
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mirabai Chanu opened up on the emotional weight behind her Glasgow triumph during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with India's CWG 2026 medallists, recalling the injuries, family problems and disappointment of missing out on a medal at the Paris Olympics that made her podium moment particularly poignant.
Chanu, who won gold in the women's 48kg weightlifting category at the Glasgow Games, said the moment she saw the Indian flag rise and heard the national anthem after years of setbacks proved too overwhelming to contain her emotions.
PM Narendra Modi, while interacting with Chanu, acknowledged the emotion behind her gold-medal performance and told her that the tears themselves reflected the magnitude of her achievement.
"You have made everyone proud. So many tears were falling. I feel like a gold medal is falling from every drop of tears," he said.
"I was very happy and emotional on that day. I was very happy. And I cried because I lost my medal in the Paris Olympics. And a player has to face so many things in life, and I faced so many things in these 4 years," she replied to the Prime Minister.
The Manipuri weightlifter's journey to the top of the podium in Glasgow came after a period marked by repeated physical setbacks and personal difficulties. Chanu said injuries had been a constant concern while she was also dealing with problems within her family.
"I was prone to injuries all the time. And I was facing family problems as well. The last four years were very difficult," Chanu added.
The significance of finally reclaiming the biggest stage was evident when Chanu stood on the podium in Glasgow. For an athlete carrying the disappointment of Paris and years of adversity, the ceremony became an intensely personal moment.
"When I was standing on the podium, and when our flag was raised, and when our national anthem was played, I couldn't stop myself from crying," she stated.
Chanu's Glasgow gold thus carried significance beyond the medal itself, with the 32-year-old returning to the top at a Commonwealth Games after overcoming a difficult four-year stretch that included the disappointment of the Paris Olympics.
The Prime Minister hosted India's Commonwealth Games 2026 medallists at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday and interacted with members of the contingent following their successful campaign in Glasgow. India finished fourth in the overall medal standings at the Games.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The tears of an athlete are not just tears - they carry years of struggle, sacrifice, and sleepless nights. Really happy to see that our leaders take time to appreciate these heroes beyond just the medal counts. Respect for Mirabai's honesty about her family problems - it takes courage to be so vulnerable.
PM Modi's gesture deserves applause! Talking to our sportspersons individually shows he genuinely cares about their journey, not just the win. But I think we also need to focus on the system that makes our athletes face so many injuries - better sports infrastructure, physiotherapy and mental health support for our players. They deserve that much.
"Gold medal falling from every drop of tears" - what a poetic line from the PM! 😢🎖️ Mirabai's story shows that success isn't linear. Failed in Paris, injured multiple times, family issues - yet she bounced back at 32. She's not just a weightlifter, she's an inspiration for every girl in India who dreams big.
This is what true sportsmanship and leadership looks like. When the PM sits with our athletes and gives them that personal moment, it boosts their morale more than any cash reward. Mirabai, you are a Shakti incarnate! 🙏 The way she fought through injuries and personal pain is nothing short of inspiring for the youth of our nation.
Really moved by this story. The emotional weight that athletes carry is immense - years of training, pressure, and expectations. The fact that PM Modi took the time to listen to her personal struggles shows leadership with a human touch. Mirab
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