Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Biography, Age, Family, Net Worth, Nationality & More

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is a celebrated Indian weightlifter whose discipline, precision, and perseverance have brought her widespread acclaim—from Commonwealth golds to an Olympic silver. A quiet powerhouse from Manipur, she has risen to inspire millions with her extraordinary athletic journey.

Early Life & Background

Born on 8 August 1994 in Imphal East district, Manipur, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu grew up in a modest Manipuri household. She is the second eldest child among four siblings. Her father, Saikhom Ibotombi Meitei, worked as a laborer in road construction, while her mother, Khumujam Ongbi Toy on Devi, managed the home and supported Mirabai’s early forays into sports.

From a young age, Mirabai showed interest in physical activity—joining a local boxing academy before being persuaded to try weightlifting at around age 12. Her early coaches recognized her focus, form, and uncanny ability to lift heavier weights than her peers.

Education & Athletic Initiation

Chanu pursued her schooling at a local government school in Manipur. Alongside classroom education, she trained under coach Hansa Sharma at the Sports Academy in Manipur from her early teens. There, she focused on mastering the snatch and clean & jerk, quickly progressing through categories.

Despite financial constraints, Mirabai’s family ensured she attended training sessions regularly, affirming that sport and education could coexist in her life.

Age, Nationality & Physical Profile

• Age: 30 years (as of July 2025)

• Nationality: Indian

• Height: 4 ft 11 in (149 cm)

• Weight Category: 49 kg (competes in 49 kg class)

• Training Weight: ~48–49 kg

• Physical Attributes: Compact, powerful build; exceptional shoulder flexibility and core strength

• Fitness Regimen: Two training sessions daily, combining technique drills, snatch/clean & jerk sets, core strength training, and mobility routines

• Diet: High-protein meals (chicken, eggs, fish), complex carbs (rice, millets), green vegetables; strict meal timetable supervised by coach and sports nutritionists

Mirabai’s physique is the result of meticulous training, discipline, and form correction—a testament to her own dedication.

Career Milestones

Early Competitions (2010–2014)

Mirabai started competing in under‑15 and under‑17 national events in India. Her early wins earned her national recognition and selection for the National Institute of Sports camp around 2010.

Commonwealth Games Success (2014–2018)

She made her international debut at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing silver in the 48 kg category. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, she dominated—winning gold with record lifts.

Major Championships & Olympic Glory

• 2017 World Championships: Bronze medal in 48 kg

• 2018 World Championships: Gold, Mumbai—first Indian woman weightlifter to win a world title; maintained clean lifts

• 2020 Summer Olympics (held 2021 in Tokyo): Silver medal, 49 kg category—lifting 97 kg snatch and 115 kg in clean & jerk, total 212 kg

• 2022 Commonwealth Games (Birmingham): Gold in 49 kg; consistently lifting above 200 kg total

Recent Performance (2023–2024)

In recent years, Chanu focused on refining technique and injury prevention. She won gold at the Asian Championships and maintained a top-5 world ranking. She is now preparing for the 2026 Paris Olympics.

Family & Support System

• Father: Saikhom Ibotombi Meitei – hard-working laborer

• Mother: Khumujam Ongbi Toy on Devi – homemaker and emotional anchor

• Eldest Sister: Sanajaobi Khumanthem – lives in Manipur

• Mentors & Coaches: Initially Hansa Sharma; later the Army Sports Institute in Pune with coach Vijay Sharma

• Marital Status: Single—fully devoted to training and career

Mirabai openly credits her family’s quiet, steadfast support for her consistent progress, especially from her mother’s humble management of household sacrifices.

Awards & Recognition

• 2018: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna—India’s highest sporting honor

• 2019: Padma Shri—India’s fourth highest civilian award

• Multiple Arjuna Awards: For excellence during Commonwealth, Asian, and World Championship performances

• Various State & Army Medals: For service and sporting achievements

Net Worth & Income

While exact figures aren’t public, estimates suggest Mirabai’s career earnings include:

• Salary from Indian Railways / Central Government: ~₹1.2–1.5 lakh monthly (as an employed athlete)

• Bonus & Prize Money: ₹70 lakh–₹1 crore from Olympic and championship wins

• Sponsorships / Endorsements: Fitness brands, sports gear, regional endorsements—contributing an estimated ₹20–25 lakh annually

• Net Worth Estimate: Around ₹3–4 crore (~$350,000–500,000 USD) as of mid-2025

She invests in a family home in Manipur and supports her younger siblings’ education.

Personality, Public Image & Advocacy

• Calm & Disciplined: Known for her quiet strength, focused work ethic, and poise under pressure

• Mentorship Role: Holds weight-lifting clinics for young athletes—especially girls—in rural & tribal Manipur

• Social Advocacy: Promotes the importance of women in sports, education, and community upliftment—often in interviews and training camps

• Recognizable Style: Often seen in fitness tracksuits and traditional Manipuri attire during home visits; thoughtful, humble public persona

Skills & Training Ethos

• Snatch & Clean & Jerk Technique: Emphasis on precision—quick foot placement, tight elbows, upright finishes

• Mental Conditioning: Regular sessions with sports psychologists to handle pressure situations

• Injury Management: Periodic physiotherapy, mobility drills, and strength balance workouts

• Strategic Planning: Team sets realistic lift goals per competition—staying within ±2 kg of world record lifts

Future Goals

1. Paris 2026 Olympics: Aim to improve on total—targeting ~220 kg for gold

2. Asian Games (2026): Ready to challenge Chinese and Korean lifters

3. Post-retirement Vision: Open a training academy in Imphal—not just for weightlifting, but for educational & physical development

4. Social Initiatives: Expand rural sports outreach—especially in North East India

Quick Profile Summary

Conclusion

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu exemplifies the image of an athlete whose success is rooted in discipline, humility, and unwavering focus. From lifting in a small Manipur garage to shining on an Olympic podium, her journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity.

As she readies herself for the Paris Olympics, Mirabai continues to be a proud global ambassador for India and the Northeast. Her legacy extends beyond sport—a symbol of quiet determination, national pride, and the transformative power of steadfast belief.