Sanamacha Chanu – One of the most decorated Indian weightlifters

Sanamacha Chanu – One of the most decorated Indian weightlifters

20th August 2022 2 By Mathias Stephen
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Sanamacha Chanu, is one of the most successful woman weightlifters in the country. She was born in Imphal, Manipur, the place which had contributed many of its people to Indian weightlifting. The 46 year-old Chanu, whose awards include the Arjuna trophy had scooped up three gold medals in the women’s 53-kg at the Manchester Commonwealth Games, on par with the exploits of Kunjarani in that edition medal-wise.

Sanamacha Thingbaijam Chanu also competed in the women’s 53 kg category weightlifting competition on August 15, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall in Athens, Greece. She had also been included in the national contingent for the Busan Asian Games, but could not participate because of an injury.

A remarkable number of sporting champions have emerged from Manipur despite it being a tiny state. Among these success stories, Sanamacha Thingbaijam Chanu is one who played a key role in nurturing Manipur as a hub for women weightlifters. Through her power packed medal winning performances in the international weightlifting arena, she has inspired a generation of Indian sportswomen.

Manipur-based Sanamacha Chanu is one of the most decorated Indian weightlifters. After launching her career in 1992, Thingbaijam Chanu competed in the 53-kilogram weight categories. She became a champion in the world wrestling championship and set record in the 53-kilogram weight category. Being a CRPF member, Sanamacha Thingbaijam Chanu had also been All India Police Meet Champion for five times. She had also participated in the World Weightlifting Police Meet and World Power Lifting Police Meet in 1999.

Sanamacha Chanu became a member of the Central Reserve Police Force in 1996. She set foot in the world wrestling championship after that. She had been a national champion for eleven times in her career. She has also set national records for five times and was also the best weightlifter of the country for three times. She also won three gold medals in the Commonwealth Games held in Tonga region. She retired from international games in 2007. Currently she is working as the coach of central weight lifting team.


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