Mirabai Chanu Reveals Relentless Training Demands, Weight Discipline Dictates Life Beyond the Gym

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, reveals the relentless pressure of training and weight management that permeates her life, even during family time. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

Mirabai Chanu is the newest guest on the Game On podcast.

"We do get some rest, particularly after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some time off too, but quickly returned to training. Spending quality time with family is crucial, especially after dedicating so much time to training – it’s essential to unwind a bit," Mirabai shared on "Game On," a podcast series.

"That aspect was enjoyable, but now it's time to refocus on training. Next up are the Commonwealth Championships, which also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our complete attention is on that, and all our preparations are currently directed towards it."

She further added, "We don’t often get the chance to enjoy traveling. Although I do go out on occasion, it's difficult to fully enjoy it with my family as I'd like – because we have to get back to training. We’ve already devoted so much time to it, so we have to think about recovery and maintenance... these considerations are always present in my mind. I constantly wonder: when should I resume training? Will I be able to perform at my previous level?"

"So, honestly, we're always thinking about training—even while eating! We think: if I eat this, what effect will it have? Will I gain fat? Will my weight go up? Because of this, we can’t even eat what we want to."

"I love junk food—especially pizza! Everyone knows that. But I still can’t eat it. Even when I’m not training, I really feel like eating it, but I stop myself and think, ‘If I eat this, how will tomorrow’s training go?’ I have to maintain my weight, especially keeping it at 50 kg. It’s very tough—training and staying at that weight. So, even when I want something, I have to stop myself and say, ‘Not now, focus on the competition first,’" she said.

Mirabai's illustrious career includes an Olympic silver medal, a gold and a silver at the World Championships, two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the Asian Championships.