NEW DELHI: The Indian weightlifting team is gearing up for the highly anticipated World Weightlifting Championships, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Led by Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu, the five-member contingent is determined to achieve glory and secure qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The championship, scheduled from September 4 to 17, holds immense significance as it serves as a crucial qualifying event for the upcoming Olympic Games.
In the women's 49 kg category, Mirabai Chanu, a two-time world championships medalist, will be vying for the gold medal. Having triumphed in the 2017 meet in Anaheim and secured a silver last year in Bogota, Chanu's exceptional track record positions her as a formidable contender for the top spot. She is currently honing her skills at St Louis' SQUAT University under the guidance of Dr. Aron Horschig, in preparation for the prestigious event.
Joining Chanu is Bindyarani Devi, the gold medal winner in the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. Devi will be competing in the women's 55 kg event, bringing her expertise and determination to the forefront. The Indian women's team is poised to showcase their prowess and make a lasting impression on the world stage.
On the men's side, Achinta Sheuli, the reigning champion of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will represent India in the 73 kg category. Sheuli's exceptional performance in the Commonwealth Games solidifies his position as a strong contender in his weight class. Accompanying him are Narayana Ajith, the current national-level champion, and Shubham Todkar, who will also be competing in their respective categories, adding depth to the Indian team.
However, one notable absence from the Indian contingent is Jeremy Lalrinnunga, the Youth Olympic Games champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist. Lalrinnunga, unfortunately, had to withdraw from the event due to an injury. Although his absence is regrettable, the rest of the Indian weightlifters are determined to compensate for his absence and deliver remarkable performances.
The World Weightlifting Championships not only serve as a qualifying platform for the Paris Olympics but also act as a precursor to the Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, China. The same Indian team, with the exception of Shubham Todkar, will represent the nation at the continental event. With the Riyadh championships acting as a stepping stone, the Indian weightlifters aim to gain invaluable experience and momentum to excel on the Asian stage.
The stage is set, and the Indian weightlifters are ready to showcase their immense talent, strength, and determination at the World Weightlifting Championships. Mirabai Chanu's leadership and the team's unwavering commitment have raised hopes for a successful campaign, where they aim to bring glory to the nation and secure coveted Olympic qualifications. All eyes will be on Riyadh as these extraordinary athletes strive for greatness on the weightlifting platform.
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