Within minutes of Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu bagging the country's first medal at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating the smashing win.
"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.
Mirabai Chanu, who ended India's 21-year wait for a weightlifting medal, won a silver in women's 49kg category.
The athlete from Manipur broke down after realising that she has secured a medal and hugged her coach in jubiliation. She later broke into a dance too to celebrate the historic podium finish.
Ms Chanu, 26, lifted a total of 202kg (87kg+115kg) to better Karnam Malleswari's bronze in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
"Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for starting the medal tally for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 by winning silver medal in weightlifting," tweeted President Ram Nath Kovind.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Mirabai Chanu for the country's fist medal on the very first day at the Olympics.
"We're so grateful to you and you inspire the 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," new Sports Minister Anurag Thakur was quoted by news agency ANI.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted a picture of the winning moment and hailed her win.
Former sports minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted a video of the feat.
Congratulatory messages flooded in from all quarters. Here's a look at a few of them.
The gold went to China's Hou Zhihui for an effort of 210kg (94kg+116kg) , while Aisah Windy Cantika of Indonesia took home the bronze with an effort of 194kg (84kg+110kg).
