Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu almost qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after finishing third in the women’s 49kg Category B event at the IWF World Cup on Monday. Chanu, who returned after six months of rest due to injury, lifted a total of 184 kg (81 kg + 103 kg) in this competition, which is the final and mandatory qualifier for the Paris Olympics. “It feels incredible to be back after an injury. Almost every lift I did today felt clean, clear and powerful, and I left this game feeling strong and confident,” Chanu said.

“The recovery process was difficult and arduous, but with the support of everyone involved in my rehabilitation and recovery, I overcame all complications.” With her competition over, Chanu has reached the standard to compete in the Paris Olympics , that is, participating in two mandatory competitions and three additional qualifiers.

The 2017 world champion is currently ranked second in the women’s 49kg Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR), behind China’s Jian Huihua.

The weightlifting qualifications will end on April 28, after which the International Weightlifting Federation will notify the top ten National Olympic Committees of the athletes.

The top 10 weightlifters in each category will qualify for the Paris Olympics.

“My goal was to secure my spot for the Paris Olympics and now that I’m about to compete, all my focus is on making my mark there,” she added.

Chanu, who last competed in the Asian Games in September, was injured with hip tendonitis and was not in top form but managed five clean lifts.

Her final clean and jerk attempt of 106kg was deemed not technically improved.

“Today’s event is to assess how well Mira is doing as she is about to return after six months of injury and rehab. It is more important to get her confidence back,” chief coach Vijay Sharma told PTI.

“We are not worried about qualification, she has already qualified. Now we will focus on reaching the top at the right time in Paris,” he added.

Chanu’s lifts in the snatch and clean and jerk portions were far from her personal bests.

The 29-year-old achieved a personal best of 88kg in the snatch competition and broke the then world record of 119kg in the clean and jerk at the 2021 Asian Championships.

But given the injuries and rehab she’s going through, Chanu still has time to peak in July, and her progress looks good.

She will have plenty to cover as her opponents lift a whopping 221kg in total in the Category A competition on Monday.

Chanu will be the only Indian weightlifter at the Paris Olympics, which will be her third Olympics.