Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has been awarded the Sportswoman of the Year at the Sportstar ACES Awards 2026.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N.Biren Singh praised Chanu for her dedication and record-breaking performances, saying her achievements continue to bring recognition to Manipur and India. He described her as an inspiration for the nation’s youth and wished her continued success.
Born on 9 August 1994, Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 49 kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has also secured gold medals at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. In 2018, she received the Padma Shri and Khel Ratna Award from the Government of India.
Chanu won silver in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and claimed gold with a games record at the 2018 edition. She also won gold at the 2017 World Championships and is a former world record holder in the clean & jerk (49 kg category). In 2022, she became the brand ambassador of I-League club NEROCA FC.
