“I am thankful for this recognition”: Olympic Silver Medallist Mirabai Chanu named 2021 BBC Sportswoman of the Year Award

“I am thankful for this recognition”: Olympic Silver Medallist Mirabai Chanu named 2021 BBC Sportswoman of the Year Award

Mirabai Chanu

Weightlifter and Olympic Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu won the 2021 BBC Sportswoman of the Year Award on Monday. Chanu created history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win a silver medal in weightlifting at the grand event.

Mirabai took victory in the prestigious awards over the likes of several other names, including PV Sindhu, Aditi Ashok, Lovlina Borgohain and Avani Lekhara. Apart from Ashok, who place fourth, all other women won a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The five nominees were selected by a panelists of sports journalists, experts and writers, following which the winner was selected through open voting.

Mirabai Chanu wins over the likes of PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain

Mirabai Chanu
Mirabai Chanu

Chanu has qualified for the 2022 Commonwealth Games after winning the Singapore Weightlifting Championships earlier this year. Mirabai is currently training in the US for Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

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Meanwhile, Karnam Malleswari, another Olympic Weightlifting legend and medallist, was awarded the BBC Lifetime Achievement award. Malleswari, a two times world champion, was the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympics. The BBC Emerging Player was given to 18-year-old Indian cricketer Shafali Verma, who represented India in the 2022 Women’s World Cup.

Also read: The 12 best moments from Indian sports in 2021