Mirabai Chanu Weightlifting Women's 49kg Paris Olympics Highlights: Another Near-Miss For India As Lifter Finishes Fourth

Welcome to the live coverage of the women's 49kg weightlifting final at the Paris Olympics 2024 where Mirabai Chanu Saikhom will be India's representative. Mirabai Chanu Women's 49kg Weightlifting Final LIVE Updates

The Tokyo silver medalist, Mirabai Chanu is all set to compete in her third consecutive Olympic Games. Despite overcoming a recent injury, the weightlifter is determined to replicate her success in the women's 49kg category in Paris.

1. Hou Zhihui, China - GOLD

2. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, India - SILVER

3. Windy Cantika Aisah, Indonesia - BRONZE

Mirabai Chanu will have her work cut out for her as she aims for gold in Paris. The reigning Olympic champion, China's Hou Zhihui, is the clear favorite with Olympic record with a total lift of 210kg (snatch 94kg and clean and jerk 116kg) under her belt.

While the absence of North Korea's Ri Song Gum could potentially open up the competition, Chanu will need to be at her absolute best to secure the top spot.

Marred Mirabai Chanu's preparation for the Paris Olympics has been her inconsistent form. She competed only once this year in the mandatory IWF World Cup in Qatar, finishing 12th with a total lift of 184kg (81kg snatch + 103kg clean and jerk).

It is a serious concern for her preparedness at the biggest stage of all and way below the personal best of 205kg.

Mirabai will be in action shortly. Are we all ready? Yes, we are!

The competition begins with Lagatao, who has the lightest starting weight. She successfully lifts 56kg on her first snatch attempt. With a personal best of 59kg, the lifter will be looking to push her limits in the following attempts.

The Indian weightlifting star will begin her campaign with a 85kg snatch. Can she successfully lift it? Stay tuned!

Lagatao takes a big risk by attempting a 62kg snatch, three kilograms above her previous lift.

Unfortunately, she is unable to lift the weight, earning applause from the crowd for her effort.

Rosina successfully lifts 80kg on her second attempt. A visibly pleased Rosina now sets her sights on a heavier 83kg for her final attempt.

The Venezuela lifter receives a warm reception from the crowd as she begins her campaign with a successful 83kg snatch. Zarate's joy is evident as she celebrates with her coach.

Mirabai Chanu confidently lifts the 85kg weight on her first attempt, showing no signs of difficulty. A perfect start for the Indian weightlifter. Stadium is echoing with INDIA INDIA

Venezuela's Katherin tried to get ahead with more weight but fails to register it. The bar moved too far forward, causing it to drop behind her.

Indian lifter aims for 88kgs in second attempt, a risky but promising target.

Sterckx bows out after three failed lifts, waving goodbye to the crowd as emotions overwhelm her. She was aiming for 86kg in all three attempts.

Mirabai Chanu returns to the platform and greets the crowd with her signature bow. As she drops the bar, disappointment washes over her.

Mirabai Chanu lifts 88kg with a beaming smile, clinching the top spot in third attempt.

Zhihui struggles with control at 89kg, resulting in a failed lift. This is our first look at the reigning champion tonight. However, she quickly recovers, successfully lifting the weight on her second attempt.

Mirabai is third on the table.

Zhihui stumbles with a failed 93kg attempt. She'll now attempt 110 in the Clean & Jerk, potentially opening the door for Cambei to sweep the snatch.

HOU Zhihui | China - 110

KHAMBAO Surodchana |Thailand - 110

FANG Wan-Ling | Chinese Taipei - 108

SAIKHOM Mirabai Chanu | India - 107

SUZUKI Rira | Japan - 106

After Snatch -

1. Mihaela Valentina Cambei (ROU) - 93 Kg

2. Hou Zhihui (CHN) - 89 Kg

3. Mirabai Chanu (IND) - 88 Kg

Rosina of Madagascar steps onto the platform with a determined look. Aiming for a 95kg lift, she executes it flawlessly.

Rosina is second on the table with a total lift of 180.

Echandia Zarate makes a strong start, lifting 105kg on her first C&J attempt to claim the third spot.

Fang Wan-Ling from Chinese Taipei secures second place with a successful 107kg lift on her third attempt.

Seeing the stiff competition, Chanu strategically increases her Clean & Jerk attempt to 111kg. She has yet to make her first lift.

Chanu's ambitious 111kg attempt falls short as she fails to secure the lift overhead. Two more attempts are left.

A wide stance during the jerk leads to a failed attempt, putting immense pressure on the Indian weightlifter. Undeterred, Chanu did it in second attempt.

114kgs this attempt will decide everything for India. Chanu takes a risk by attempting 114kg. She executes a powerful clean, but the lift falters during the jerk. She concludes her campaign in fourth position with a total lift of 119kg.

With this miss, India narrowly misses out on a medal yet again. Another near-miss adds to the growing disappointment for the Indian contingent at this edition of the games.

Zhihui delivers a superhuman performance in Paris, shattering the competition with a combined lift of 206kg. An incredible 117kg Clean & Jerk caps off her dominant display. Rira's attempt to match the feat falls flat with a disappointing miss.

That's a wrap on weightlifting for today. Mirabai Chanu's fourth-place finish marks a disappointing end to India's campaign for the day. The curse of fourth place seems to be haunting the Indian contingent. Let's hope for a change in fortune tomorrow.

BYE!!