Which of the weight lifter got the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2018?
VerifiedAnswer: Mirabai Chanu
Explanation:
Mirabai Chanu received the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2018, making her the first weightlifter from Northeast India to achieve this honor. Born on August 8, 1994, in Nongpok Kakching, Imphal East district of Manipur, she has been a shining star in Indian weightlifting.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sporting honor, given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in sports and games. Mirabai Chanu earned this recognition following her exceptional performance at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, USA, where she won a gold medal in the women's 48kg category.
Her journey to success wasn't easy. Chanu faced significant challenges, including a disappointing performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics where she failed to register a single successful lift. However, she bounced back remarkably, showing incredible mental strength and determination that champions are made of.
Her major achievements that led to the 2018 Khel Ratna Award include:
• Gold medal at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships (48kg category)
• Gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia
• Multiple medals at Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships
• Setting new national and Commonwealth records
What makes Mirabai Chanu's story even more inspiring is her humble background. Coming from a family of modest means in Manipur, she started her weightlifting journey with basic equipment and limited resources. Her success has inspired countless young athletes, especially from Northeast India, to pursue their sporting dreams.
After receiving the Khel Ratna Award in 2018, Chanu continued her excellent form and went on to win India's first medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) by securing a silver medal in the women's 49kg weightlifting category. This achievement further cemented her position as one of India's greatest weightlifters and sports personalities.
