Mirabai Chanu bagged the first medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics. Ever since her arrival back in the country, the weightlifting champion has been caught up with felicitation events, interviews with media and obviously, reuniting with her family after so long.

Mirabai Chanu opened up about her plans for the 2024 Paris Games and her pride in all that north-eastern India has been offering to India’s pool of talented sportspersons.

Speaking to News18, she said, “Honestly, when I won the silver medal at that time it did look like that I was just dreaming, but now it has sunk in. I am really overwhelmed by the wishes and love shown by my people of India.”

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The 26-year-old recalled how the Rio Olympics in 2016 bogged her down, so much that she didn’t eat for days. The pressure of expectation was a lot to handle, but Mirabai made a comeback in the Tokyo Olympics nonetheless. She gave all the credit to her coach Vijay Sharma for giving her the strength and motivation to do so.

Sharing her mantra for staying consistent, the Olympic silver medalist said, “We all have to face defeat. There is always a better tomorrow. Nothing is over on the very first attempt or in a day. You do get disappointed with failures, but I always look ahead and prepare accordingly and that kind of mindset brings positive results.”

She further confesses wanting to change the colour of her medal to Gold in the Paris Games.

The contribution of athletes from the northeast has seen a rise in the last few years. While they are still subjected to stereotyping and discrimination, the change in the sports industry indicates the possibility of wider acceptance and rightful treatment. She told News18, “Earlier, a lot of people used to say that they didn’t know where Manipur is located. Sometimes, people would not consider us as Indians and that used to hurt; and it obviously didn’t feel nice. But, that also used to motivate me that one day I will show what Manipur has to offer and I am sure now everybody know what Manipur is and where is it located and I am glad with this.”

“I don’t consider myself as only a Manipuri girl. I am an Indian and will think about the betterment of all athletes from India and not just my state,” she added.