India’s Tokyo Olympics campaign got off to a flying start as weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal on the opening day itself. Chanu’s medal changed the mood in the whole country as people congratulated her and celebrated it as their own success. Even the high-profile meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the chief ministers of north-eastern states came to standstill when they heard of the news.

© Reuters

So proud of @mirabai_chanu for clinching the silver medal in the Women's 49kg Weightlifting category at the #OlympicGames.

Wishing you all the very best for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/C6d4twJLWk

After the Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh broke the news during the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) Society meeting, the Home Minister stood up, reached out for his microphone and described it as a “moment of great pride for India” and even gave her a standing ovation. Then, he did something that nonone expected him to. He gave the champion athlete a standing ovation for doing the whole nation proud.

The Manipur CM got in touch with Chanu over a video call and told her how the leaders reacted after learning of her historic silver medal.

So good to speak to our Champion @mirabai_chanu today.@narendramodi @AmitShah @ianuragthakur @JPNadda @blsanthosh pic.twitter.com/1phL16ibh3

“During the meeting, I broke the news of your achievement in front of all the chief ministers of the northeastern states. I told them that Mirabai Chanu has opened the tally for India in the Tokyo 2020 with a silver medal. On hearing the news, Amit Shah ji was so delighted and reached out for the microphone and said ‘It’s a moment of great pride for India’. Everyone along with Amit Shah ji gave you a standing ovation,” Singh told Chanu over video call.

After facing disappointment five years ago at the Rio Olympics, Chanu even wanted to quit the sport altogether. On Saturday, she overcame all the demons and created history by clinching the country's first-ever Olympic silver medal in weightlifting.

What a proud moment.

Every Indian is rejoicing this historic accomplishment of @mirabai_chanu at the #OlympicGames .

Let us #Cheer4India. https://t.co/iR8KrwFacY

Singh also announced that the state government will reward her with a sum of Rs 1 crore for making Manipur and the whole country proud. Apart from that, a delighted Singh said she wouldn't have to collect train tickets anymore.

“The state government will give you a sum of Rs 1 crore. You won’t be collecting tickets at railway stations and in trains any more. I am reserving a special post for you. I am meeting the honourable home minister in the evening. I am not revealing more details now and keeping it a surprise for you,” he added.

View the full article