India's first medal winner at Tokyo Olympics Mirabai Chanu gets hero's welcome on return to country

India's first medal winner at the Tokyo Olympics weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and her coach Vijay Sharma were given a hero's welcome, when they returned to the country yesterday evening. Ms. Chanu has won a silver medal in women's 49 kg weightlifting.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur felicitated Mirabai Chanu and her coach at his residence in New Delhi. Both of them were also felicitated by Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju, Minister for Development of North-Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Anurag Thakur said, Mirabai Chanu's victory is the victory of all Indians, who were filled with pride when India's flag was unfurled and national anthem played at the medal ceremony in Tokyo. He said, it is the first time in Olympic history that an Indian has won a medal on the opening day. Mr.Thakur said, the Narendra Modi government will continue to nurture sporting talent and provide them every facility to achieve excellence at the highest level. He said, sports connect everybody irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Sharing her thoughts, Mirabai Chanu said, she is grateful for all the support extended by the government without which this journey to an Olympic medal would not have been possible. She said, she wants to dedicate this medal to the whole country and all those who had prayed for her for doing well in Tokyo Olympics.

Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju said, the glory and honour that she has brought to India is the result of years of perseverance, dedication and extreme hardwork.

Minister of Development of North- Eastern Region, G Kishan Reddy said, Mirabai Chanu's journey to success stands as an inspiration not just for the sports fraternity but also for every youngster with dreams and goals.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said, Mirabai Chanu has inspired the nation and we all are proud of her.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik said, this medal is the result of years of her hard work and preparation and it is a matter of pride for 135 crore Indians.