Within minutes of Indian woman weightlifter Mirabai Chanu bagging the country's first medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating the achievement, the country's first medal on the first day of competition at the Olympic Games. Mirabai Chanu, who ended India's 21-year wait for a weightlifting medal, won a silver in the women's 49kg category.

"Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by @mirabai_chanu's stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian," PM Modi tweeted with #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020.

Chanu, 26, lifted a total of 202kg (87kg+115kg) to better Karnam Malleswari's bronze in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The athlete from Manipur broke down after realising that she has secured a medal and hugged her coach in jubilation. She later broke into a jig to celebrate the historic podium finish, NDTV said. 

"We're so grateful to you and you inspire entire India, our Indian contingent in #TokyoOlympics and I'm sure the way you started on day 1, the other athletes are going to follow this and they are also going to make India proud," Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said. 

India has sent its largest 127-member contingent to the pandemic-hit Olympics. (SAM)