Mirabai Chanu became the sixth Indian to finish fourth in the Paris Olympics, managing a total effort of 199kg (88kg+111kg) in the 49kg category of women’s weightlifting at the South Paris Arena on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old had won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. China’s Hou Zhihui defended her title successfully with an effort of 206kg (89kg+117kg) while Romania’s Mihaela Cambei took home the silver with a total of 205kg (93kg+112kg). Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao claimed bronze, lifting 1kg more than Chanu.

Wednesday was clearly not India’s day — with Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the final; Antim Panghal deported; and Chanu’s so-near-yet-so-far story.

To win a medal, Chanu needed to go beyond 200, but it became difficult after failed attempts in the clean and jerk. First, she needed two attempts to lift 111kg and then failed with the 114kg.

Chanu, who turns 30 on Thursday, was given a rousing welcome by the Indian fans when the 12 lifters in the category were introduced. She waved and smiled at the fans, had a good snatch with 88kg, her highest in the snatch. She was vying for bronze at one point.

Among those in the arena rooting for Chanu was Sydney Olympic Games bronze medallist weightlifter Karnam Malleswari.

The Paris Games have become a story of fourth finishes for India — three in shooting, including Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals before falling in the 25m pistol final, besides in archery, badminton and now, weightlifting.

The build-up to the Games had not been ideal for India’s lone lifter in Paris as injury woes bogged her down. In the past, the determined and resilient Chanu has shown her ability to fight through adversity. She had battled intense menstrual cramps to win the medal in Tokyo and attempted a 117kg clean and jerk lift despite injuring herself during the Asian Games. But Paris proved to be unlucky for her.