Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifter is 2021 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award for 2021, following a public vote.

The Olympic silver medallist beat golfer Aditi Ashok, boxer Lovlina Borgohain, Para-shooter Avani Lekhara, and badminton player PV Sindhu to the award.

Chanu became the first Indian weightlifter to win a silver medal at an Olympic Games, when she finished second in the 49kg category in Tokyo.

In her reaction to winning the award, Chanu said: «I am currently training in the United States. I will give my best to win gold at this year's Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Thank you to BBC India for honouring me with the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year award.»

Born in Manipur state, in the north-west of India, the 27-year old learned her craft by carrying firewood from the hills to her home.

«My brothers used to carry the wood in multiple trips», she told the BBC. «But I used to carry it all in one go.»

Chanu won the gold medal in the 48kg division at the 2017 World Championships in Anaheim, and followed up with Commonwealth Games gold in 2018.

Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, who hosted the awards ceremony in New Delhi, congratulated Chanu, saying she is «a fantastic sportswoman and a deserving winner of the award».

«It's wonderful to be here in Delhi in the BBC's centenary year, and to honour the talented Indian sportswomen who've achieved so much, often in the face of challenging circumstances,» he added.

The five nominees were selected by a panel of some of India's most authoritative sports journalists, experts and writers, with a online public vote then deciding the winner.

The BBC Emerging Player award was presented to 18-year-old cricketer Shafali Verma, who has recently been playing at the Women's