Meera Bai Chanu’s Commonwealth gold sparks call for Arjuna Award

Weightlifter Meera Bai Chanu’s triumph at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games has prompted Union Minister Prataprav Jadhav to lobby for her inclusion in the Arjuna Award list.

Chanu’s gold in the 48 kg division was marked by record lifts in snatch, clean‑and‑jerk and total, securing India’s first gold in that event at the Games.

The minister’s correspondence with Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted her existing honors – the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, Padma Shri and an Olympic silver medal – and underlined the symbolic value of the Arjuna Award for an athlete of her stature.

Jadhav noted that Chanu’s story, from a small Manipur village to the world podium, embodies the perseverance and dedication the nation seeks to celebrate.

Granting her the Arjuna Award would not only recognize her individual brilliance but also reinforce a message of support for aspiring sportspersons across India.