- By Sports Desk
- Sun, 02 Aug 2026 05:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Mirabai Chanu shared the emotional feeling of hearing the Indian national anthem after winning gold.
- She said athletes often struggle to hold back tears while standing on the podium.
- The weightlifting star described it as one of the proudest moments of representing India.
Standing at the top the podium with the Indian tricolour soaring high is a dream every athlete chases. For Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, that dream became reality once again at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, where she clinched the women's 49kg gold medal to become India's first gold medallist of the Games.
But beyond the medal and the appreciation, it was one emotional moment during the medal ceremony that resonated with millions.
As the Indian national anthem echoed through the arena, Mirabai was seen struggling to hold back tears, a moment that quickly went viral and captured the pride of an entire nation.
In an exclusive interaction, the Olympic silver medallist opened up about the emotions of representing India, the significance of hearing the national anthem on foreign soil, and her road to recovery after battling injuries. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Jagran Mirabai Chanu shared her emotional story.
'The Emotions Simply Take Over'
When asked about the now-viral moment during the medal ceremony, Mirabai admitted that no matter how many medals an athlete wins, hearing the national anthem while standing on the podium remains an overwhelming experience.
Interviewer: After you won the gold, there was a video of you getting emotional during the Indian national anthem. As an athlete, can you explain what that moment feels like? You're standing on foreign soil, you've won a gold medal for India, and the national anthem is playing.
Mirabai Chanu: "Every athlete experiences that emotion. When our tricolour is raised and the national anthem is played, we try to hold back our tears, but it's very difficult. The emotions simply take over. It is a moment of immense happiness and pride."
Her heartfelt words reflect the emotion that athletes experience after years of sacrifice, relentless training and dedication culminate in a moment of national glory.
Focused on Recovery and Comeback
Despite standing on the top step of the podium once again, Mirabai revealed that the journey to Glasgow was far from easy.
The Olympic silver medallist has been managing injuries in recent years, and rehabilitation remains her immediate priority as she prepares for upcoming international competitions.
Interviewer: What challenges did you face during your training?
Mirabai Chanu: "I worked very hard and focused on my preparation. Right now, my main priority is recovering from my injury. We will continue training while managing the injury carefully. There is no special plan apart from focusing on rehabilitation and returning stronger."
Her response underlines the disciplined approach that has defined her career, with long-term fitness taking precedence as India gears up for a busy international calendar.
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An Inspiration Beyond the Podium
Mirabai Chanu's success story extends well beyond medals. From overcoming setbacks early in her career to becoming an Olympic medallist and multiple-time Commonwealth champion, she has become a symbol of resilience and perseverance for aspiring athletes across the country.
For Mirabai, the most unforgettable moment isn't just winning gold. it's hearing "Jana Gana Mana" play on foreign soil while the Indian flag rises above all others.
As she put it, "We try to hold back our tears, but it's very difficult." Those tears are a result of the sacrifices behind every medal and the immense pride of wearing India's colours on the world stage.