Cosmo: Tell us a little about your childhood. When did you realise that you wanted to pursue weightlifting?
Mirabai Chanu: “I grew up in Nongpok Kakching, a small village about 30 kilometres from Imphal [Manipur]. I come from a very humble background. I am the youngest of three siblings, and my childhood was full of ups and downs.
As a child, I admired Kunjarani Devi—watching her weightlift so effortlessly inspired me to be like her. I realised my potential for the sport at the
