Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, born 8 August 1994 in Nongpok Kakching village, Imphal East district, Manipur, won the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (in the women's 49 kg category) — India's first weightlifting medal in 21 years and the country's first medal of the Tokyo Games.
Her Parents
Father: Saikhom Kriti Meitei — small farmer; works at the local Public Works Department.
Mother: Saikhom Ongbi Tombi Leima — homemaker; runs a small tea stall.
Her Siblings
Mirabai is the youngest of six children. Her siblings have continued to live in Manipur.
Her Path
She was inspired as a child by Kunjarani Devi, the Manipuri weightlifter who won India's first weightlifting Olympic-level medal. She began carrying firewood and water bundles up the village hills as functional strength training from age 12.
The Saikhom Family Tree at a Glance
Father: Saikhom Kriti Meitei — small farmer / PWD worker.
Mother: Saikhom Ongbi Tombi Leima — homemaker / tea-stall operator.
Siblings: One of six (youngest).
Mirabai Chanu:
- Born 8 August 1994, Imphal East, Manipur
- Began competitive lifting at 12
- 2014 Commonwealth Games silver
- 2017 World Weightlifting Championships gold
- Tokyo Olympics 2020 — silver (49 kg)
- 2022 Commonwealth Games gold
- Padma Shri (2018); Khel Ratna (2018)
- Subedar in the Indian Army
Personal: Unmarried; no children.
What the Saikhom Family Story Teaches Us
A small-farmer father. A tea-stall-operating mother. Six children. A youngest daughter who began strength training by carrying firewood up village hills. From one small Manipur farming family came India's biggest weightlifting Olympic moment in two decades.
For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Mirabai Chanu story carries the same lesson. Sometimes the youngest of six children becomes the most internationally famous. Write down birth order — the youngest, middle, eldest. The order shapes the experience.
👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App
- Android: Family Root App on Google Play
- iOS: Family Root App on Apple Store
📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.
