Commonwealth Games 2018: Sanjita Chanu clinches second Gold for India, here are some unknown facts about the Manipuri weightlifter

GOLD COST: Manipur's weightlifter Sanjita Chanu won Gold in the women's 53 kilogram category at the 21st Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2018 in Gold Coast, taking India's total medal count to three (two Gold and I silver).

The Manipuri star lifted a total of 192 kg which included a CWG record of 84 kg in the Snatch and 108 kg in Clean and Jerk.

Defending champion Loa Dika Toua of Papua New Guinea was a distant second with 182 kg while New Zealand's Rachel Leblanc-Bazinet took bronze with 181 kg.

This was India's second gold at this year's CWG. Fellow Manipuri weightlifter Mirabai Chanu had won gold with spectacular record-breaking attempts in the women's 48 kg on Thursday.

Sanjita was by far the most dominant competitor in both Snatch and Clean Jerk. She took the lead in the snatch with an opening attempt of 81 kilograms.

New Zealand's Rachel, who had managed 78 kg in her first attempt, joined Sanjita at the pole position by lifting 81 kg in her second attempt. But Sanjita showed her class by equalling the CWG record of 83 kg in her second attempt to regain the lead.

Here are some unknown facts about Sanjita Chanu

-She hails from Manipur.

-Like fellow Manipuri weightlifter Mirabai,  Sanjita too considers veteran weightlifter Kunjarani Devi as her hero and mentor

-Sanjita had earlier won the gold in the women’s 48 kg category at Glasglow in the 2014 CWG events

-She was twenty-years-old when she won the Gold for India at Glasglow in the 2014 CW Games.

-She is employed with Indian Railways and shy by nature.

-While Snjitha had won Gold at Glasglow her fellow Manipuri weightlifter Mirabai won a Silver for India

-Her name was not included in the list of those recommended for Arjuna Awards in 2017.

-She later approached the court in the matter but, despite all legal wrangling, she was not considered for the prestigious award.

-After winning Gold at Gold Coast again, she is most likely to to be considered for Arjuna Award this year without having to take legal recourse. 

-She took up the sport of weightlifting in 2006 and has come a long way since then.