Mirabai Chanu named 2022 BBC Sportswoman of the Year

Olympic silver-medallist Mirabai Chanu has been named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year, following her accomplishment at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She became the first Indian weightlifter to earn a silver medal at the Olympics last year, creating history in the process. 

And now, she has been recognised for her achievement by the international body as well. Mirabai Chanu was awarded the Padma Shri and the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2018, after she won the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. 

Mirabai Chanu named BBC Sportswoman of the Year 

In a media release, Mirabai Chanu confirmed that she is currently in the USA and is training for the upcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games. She vowed to do her best to win the gold medal at the competition this year. 

Mirabai Chanu is expected to drop the 49 kg category and compete in the 55 kg category from the coming competition. The management and coaching staff feels that this would allow her to secure a gold medal in the coming games.

With Bindiya Rani also expected to play in the next games, there is hope that India will be able to earn three gold medals and prosper in the overall tally. 

The BBC has also awarded Indian cricketer Shafali Varma the BBC emerging player award. She is the youngest female cricketer to represent India, and opens the batting order for the line-up.