New Delhi, July 31, 2026

Olympic medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has once again been brought into focus for one of India’s major sporting honours, with Union Minister of State for Ayush and Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, recommending her name for this year’s Arjuna Award. In a letter to Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Jadhav urged him to consider Chanu’s nomination in recognition of her distinguished international career.

Jadhav highlighted Chanu’s impressive record, including her successive Commonwealth Games gold medals, where she also secured India’s first gold medal on each occasion. He also pointed to her outstanding achievements in the 48 kg category, including record-breaking performances in the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall lift.

Although Chanu has already received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri, besides winning an Olympic medal, her long-held ambition of receiving the Arjuna Award has remained unfulfilled. Jadhav noted that Chanu had aspired to earn the honour since her early training days in her village in Manipur, making the nomination particularly significant.

Jadhav said conferring the Arjuna Award on Chanu would be a fitting recognition of her exceptional talent, consistent international success and invaluable contribution to Indian sports. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming one of India’s leading weightlifters reflects determination, perseverance and dedication, continuing to inspire young athletes across the country.