Mirabai Chanu should be considered for Arjuna Award: Union Minister Jadhav
New Delhi, August 1
Union Minister of State for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, has written to the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, on his own initiative, urging that India's celebrated weightlifter and Olympic medallist, Mirabai Chanu, be considered for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year, according to an official press release.
In his letter, Prataprao Jadhav highlighted Mirabai Chanu's exceptional achievements and her remarkable contribution to Indian weightlifting. The Minister noted that the athlete from Manipur has created history through her outstanding performances at the Commonwealth Games, bringing immense pride to the nation.
Prataprao Jadhav highlighted Chanu's remarkable record of winning gold medals at successive editions of the Commonwealth Games and her distinction of being the athlete who won India's first gold medal on each of these occasions. The Minister also highlighted her exceptional performances in the 48 kg category, including her record-breaking lifts in the snatch, clean and jerk and total lift categories.
Jadhav further highlighted that Mirabai Chanu has already been honoured with several of the country's highest sporting recognitions, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Padma, besides winning an Olympic medal. However, her childhood dream of receiving the Arjuna Award, which she had nurtured since her early days of training in her village in Manipur, remains unfulfilled.
Urging the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports to consider her nomination, Jadhav expressed that honouring Mirabai Chanu with the Arjuna Award would be a fitting recognition of her outstanding performances, exceptional talent and invaluable contribution to Indian sport.
Prataprao Jadhav also emphasised that Chanu's inspiring journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming one of India's most accomplished weightlifters is a testament to her determination, perseverance and dedication and serves as an inspiration to millions of young Indians.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Absolutely deserved! She's been a trailblazer for women in sports, especially from the Northeast. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to Olympic medallist is truly inspirational. Hope the sports ministry acts fast on this recommendation.
Good initiative, but why is this happening so late? She should have gotten the Arjuna Award years ago. Our sports administration needs to be more proactive in honouring athletes while they're still competing. Better late than never, I suppose.
This is wonderful news! Mirabai di is a true inspiration for all young girls in India. Her dedication and hard work deserve every recognition possible. Manipur and the whole country is proud of her. 🌟
As someone who follows weightlifting closely, Mirabai Chanu's technique and consistency are world-class. It's great to see Indian politicians from different ministries supporting athletes across party lines. This is how sports development should work.
Such a proud moment for our country! The way she has consistently performed at international levels, especially breaking records in the 48kg category, deserves all the honours. From a small village to Olympic glory - what a story! 👏
While I applaud this move, I hope the government also focuses on providing better infrastructure and training facilities for upcoming weightlifters in the Northeast. One award is good, but systematic development is what we need.
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