Mirabai Chanu Reveals Relentless Training Demands: Weight, Diet, and Constant Focus Even During Family Time

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated weightlifter, has revealed the relentless mental commitment required to compete at the highest level. Even during precious moments spent with family, the pressures of training and maintaining a specific weight remain a constant preoccupation.

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

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in the 49kg category is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships. Speaking on the "Game On" podcast, Mirabai shared insights into the sacrifices and mental discipline required to excel in her sport.

"We do get some time to rest, especially after major events like the Asian Games or Olympics. I took some rest too, but then got right back into training," Mirabai explained. "Spending time with family is crucial, particularly after dedicating so much time to training – it's essential to relax a bit."

However, the respite is often short-lived. "That period was good, but now it's time to face training again. The Commonwealth Championships are next, and they also serve as a qualifier for the Commonwealth Games. Our complete focus is on that, and all our preparations are geared towards it."

The life of a competitive weightlifter involves constant vigilance and a degree of self-denial. "We don’t really get to enjoy traveling freely. I do go out sometimes, but I can’t fully enjoy the time with my family the way I’d like to because we have to return to training. We’ve already invested so much time, so we have to constantly consider how to recover and maintain ourselves. These thoughts are always present. I keep wondering: when should I resume training? Will I be able to perform at my previous level?"

This constant mental calculation extends even to meal times. "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."

Mirabai confessed her love for junk food, particularly pizza, but acknowledges the need for restraint. "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.’"

Mirabai's dedication has yielded impressive results throughout her career. In addition to her Olympic silver medal, she boasts 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.