Chanu’s Silver Breaks 28-Year Asian Games Drought for India
President Murmu honors Mirabai Chanu and Jay Meena for historic medals in Japan.
Key points
- Mirabai Chanu won silver in 49kg weightlifting, ending a 28-year Asian Games drought.
- Jay Meena earned India's first-ever Asian Games medal in men's soft tennis singles.
- Indian skeet teams won bronze, with President Murmu praising their team spirit.
President Droupadi Murmu praised Indian athletes for their Day 4 wins in Japan. Mirabai Chanu and Jay Meena led the nation to historic podium finishes at the Asian Games.
The President highlighted the athletes’ determination on Wednesday. Their performances in Aichi-Nagoya brought pride to the country and inspired a new generation.
Chanu Lifts Nation With Silver
Mirabai Chanu totaled 198 kg to secure silver in the women’s 49kg class. This victory ended a 28-year drought for Indian weightlifters at these games.
Her last Asian Games medal came from Karnam Malleswari in 1998. Chanu had chased this specific honor since 2014, finally reaching the podium.
Murmu called Chanu’s journey an inspiration for young athletes. The President noted her success across Olympics and World Championships as a guiding light.
Shooting Team Claims Bronze
Three women’s skeet teams and one men’s team won bronze medals. Parinaaz Dhaliwal, Raiza Dhillon, and Maheshwari Chauhan led the women’s squad.
Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Bhavtegh Singh Gill, and Mairaj Ahmad Khan formed the men’s team. President Murmu praised their skill, determination, and strong team spirit.
Meena Makes Soft Tennis History
Jay Meena won bronze in men’s soft tennis singles. This is India’s first-ever medal in this specific discipline at the Asian Games.
Soft tennis uses softer rubber balls and lighter racquets than standard tennis. Meena was third-time lucky, having missed medals in the previous two editions.
