Tokyo Olympics 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lead wishes as Mirabai Chanu opens India's haul with silver medal

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, remember the name. The Indian weightlifter opened the medal account for India at the Tokyo Olympics after winning silver in the 49 kg category.

She lifted a combined total of 202 kg – best of 87 kg in snatch and 115 kg in clean and jerk attempt.

China’s Hou Zhihui won the gold with a total lift of 210 kg, which became an Olympic record. Her best in snatch attempt was 94 kg and she lifted 116 kg in her final attempt in clean and jerk.

Indonesia’s Windy Cantika Aisah took home the bronze.

After Karnam Malleswari’s bronze at the Sydney Games, Mirabai Chanu’s silver is India’s second Olympic medal in weightlifting.

Mirabai was under intense pressure as she was counted as one of the favourites to clinch a medal for her country. The sensational effort certainly exorcised the ghosts of Rio 2016 where she failed to log a single legitimate lift.

Here’s how twitter reacted to the memorable moment:

𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗨!🥈👏🏻 🏋🏻‍♀️

Absolutely amazing display of weightlifting.

The way you have transformed yourself after your injury and clinched a historic silver for #TeamIndia is absolutely stupendous.

You have made 🇮🇳 very proud. #Tokyo2020 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/pacYIgQ7LK

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 24, 2021

Congratulations @mirabai_chanu so proud of you ! First day first medal for India 🇮🇳 #tokioolimpics2021 #olympics pic.twitter.com/zIop99Vi6s

— Karnam Malleswari, OLY (@kmmalleswari) July 24, 2021

The wait is over!! This #MirabaiChanu🥈medal in #weightlifting has lifted the weight off the chest of many!! 😅

1️⃣st medal for #India 🇮🇳 at #Tokyo2020 on #Day1. What a start!!@weareteamindia @Media_SAI @ESPNIndia #Cheer4India #Olympics #Olympics2020 #JaiHind

— Aparna Popat OLY (@aparnapopat) July 24, 2021

India’s 1st medal on day 1 !@mirabai_chanu wins SILVER in women's 49kg weightlifting! 🥈🏋️

India 🇮🇳 is so proud of you Mira !#TeamIndia #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/QSqI7XTHbV

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 24, 2021

Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by @mirabai_chanu’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian. #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/B6uJtDlaJo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2021

Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 24, 2021

Many many Congratulations to @mirabai_chanu on winning India’s first medal at #Tokyo2020. Such An inspiring performance that will be remembered for a long time to come and will inspire generations. Well done 🙌

— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 24, 2021

Falling short of words for this smile, happiness and pride! Congratulations @mirabai_chanu 🙌👏#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ES30QRy2ii

— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) July 24, 2021

Congratulations for a beautiful opening on medal tally @mirabai_chanu . This 🥈medal is a morale boost for our Indian contingent. Thank you for a spectacular performance…… jai hind pic.twitter.com/GY2PNMyap1

— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) July 24, 2021

Many Many Congratulations to #Mirabai_Chanu For SILVER in women's 49kg weightlifting! 🥈🏋️
#Tokyo2020 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/VWAHbXTtBW

— Subedar Amit Panghal (@BoxerPanghal) July 24, 2021

Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 24, 2021