Mirabai Chanu: Olympic Silver, Pizza Forever, and Free Flicks!
When it comes to winning an Olympic medal, most athletes don’t need a crown—just a badass weight‑lifting record. For Mirabai Chanu, a 26‑year‑old powerhouse in the women’s 49kg category, it turned into a lifelong pizza subscription and a movie‑theatre passport. Talk about lifting more than just medals!
Why the Celebration Was So Big
- Japan’s biggest Games so far! India sent 125 athletes to Tokyo, making it the country’s largest Olympic contingent.
- Only medal for Delhi, Budapest, etc. Chanu’s silver was India’s first—and so far only—medal in the Games.
- Unusual perks. Domino’s pizzas & INOX theatres promised her “lifetime free pizza” and “lifetime free movie tickets.” A weightlifter‑made lifestyle upgrade!
Domino’s and INOX Treats
Domino’s Slogan: “We’re thrilled to chef up a forever pizza feast for this champ!”
INOX’s Promise: “No more paying for popcorn—your movie nights are on us, forever!”
Not just for Chanu: any Indian athlete who nets a podium finish gets lifetime movie tickets, while those who come close but miss the top spot still receive a whole year of free cinema. Talk about a national “movie‑theater” scholarship!
Social Media Meltdown
Twitter exploded in support, with hashtags across the board. Local fans even jokingly keeled over an “in Bollywood” film in the works about Chanu’s rise from gym to the podium. And the high‑profile nods didn’t stop at fans—reps from the Prime Minister’s office, celebrated wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, and boxing great Mary Kom all slammed her performance in celebratory tweets.
Kudos from Champions & Celebs
Mirabai’s shout‑out: “Thanks @dominos_india for the pizza and for cheering us on. The family and I love the gesture! We’re excited about this new friendship.” And, naturally, the Prime Minister himself chimed in earlier days, congratulating her on the silver that sparked hope for India’s medal tally.
India’s weight‑lifters are the latest “room‑mates” being given a film series as tribute, following in the foot‑steps of Mary Kom and the famous Dangal storyline. One can only imagine the sagas that await on the silver screen.
All in all, Mirabai Chanu has lifted her nation in the ring and taken a slice of life—literally—and a seat in every cinema. Free pizza, during a “life‑savings” contest with INOX, and a good deal of national pride have now made her legend even more delicious.
