Bindyarani Devi broke the national record set up by Mirabai Chanu in the women’s 55kg weightlifting category at the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand. She lifted 88kg in the snatch, surpassing the previous record of 86kg, which was owned by Mirabai Chanu, a 49kg Olympic medallist. Bindyarani represented Manipur at the National Games and was thrilled to achieve this milestone, especially because she idolises Chanu.
A special bond with Mirabai Chanu
Bindyarani’s connection with Chanu goes beyond admiration; it’s personal. In her early days, Bindyarani faced financial difficulties, which could have hindered her weightlifting career. Chanu, recognising her potential, gifted Bindyarani a pair of weightlifting shoes when she couldn’t afford them. “She [Chanu] knew I did not have the money to buy the lifting shoes but she didn’t think twice before gifting me those shoes,” Bindyarani recalled after winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
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Dominance in women’s 55kg weightlifting
Besides her new national record in snatch, Bindyarani also holds records in clean and jerk and the total lift in the women’s 55kg category. She achieved the clean and jerk record with a 116 kg lift and a total of 202 kg during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. At the National Games, Bindyarani shone again by lifting a total of 201 kg, which secured her the gold medal.
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