New Delhi, 31 July (H.S.):

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav has recommended that star Indian weightlifter and Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu be conferred with the Arjuna Award this year.

In this regard, the Union Ayush Minister wrote a letter on Friday to Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighting Mirabai Chanu’s outstanding sporting achievements and her significant contribution to Indian weightlifting.

In his letter, Jadhav stated that the Manipuri athlete has brought immense pride to the nation by winning consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and has also secured India’s first gold medal on several occasions in major international competitions.

The letter also highlighted Chanu’s record-breaking performances in the 48kg category, including her achievements in the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall weightlifting categories.

Jadhav said that Mirabai Chanu has already been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri and an Olympic medal. However, he noted that her childhood dream of receiving the Arjuna Award remains unfulfilled.

He said that Mirabai Chanu’s journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming a world-class weightlifter is an inspiring example of struggle, dedication and determination. Honouring her with the Arjuna Award would be a fitting recognition of her invaluable contribution to Indian sports, he added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar