Railways promotes Mirabai Chanu to officer rank

Padma Shri awardee Mirabai Chanu, who won India's first gold at the 21st Commonwealth Games, has been promoted as officer on special duty (sports) in the North East Frontier Railway, the Indian Railways said today.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had announced an immediate promotion for the weightlifter at a felicitation ceremony in Delhi on April 25. The order was issued today.

"In recognition of the outstanding performance of Mirabai Chanu in recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, Ministry of Railways has promoted her as officer," it said in a statement.

Chanu won the first gold for India at the 2018 Games in the 48-kg category in weightlifting in Gold Coast, Australia.

Goyal has also directed officials that a new promotion policy should be drafted to recognise the contribution of all railway sportspersons, not just the medal winners.

Chanu worked as chief ticket inspector, North East Frontier Railway.