Mirabai Chanu, a two-time medallist, will be leading the Indian team in the upcoming World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Alongside Chanu (49 kg), Bindyarani Devi (55kg) and Achinta Sheuli (73kg), both Commonwealth Games medallists, will also represent India. Shubham Todkar (61kg) and Narayana Ajith (73kg) complete the lineup of Indian weightlifters at the world event.
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How is Mirabai Chanu preparing for the World Championships?
Chanu has flown to the United States to undergo a 65-day camp under the supervision of Dr Aron Horschig, who is a former weightlifter-turned-physical therapist and strength and conditioning coach.
“Mira is not injured, we are working on her strength here. She will compete in the Worlds as well as the Asian Games. An Asian Games medal is the only medal she doesn’t have so she will compete in both events," informed national coach Vijay Sharma, who has accompanied Chanu to the USA told PTI.
The timeline between the World Championships and the Asian Games is relatively short. The World Championships, traditionally held towards the end of the year in November or December, will commence on September 4. Whereas, the Asian Games will start less than 20 days later, on September 23, in Hangzhou, China. Although the Asian Games do not serve as a qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a medal at the Asiad holds immense value for Mirabai Chanu.
As per the Olympic qualification rule for the 2024 Olympics, weightlifters are required to participate in two compulsory events: the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 World Cup.
In addition to these two events, weightlifters must also compete in at least three of the following tournaments: the 2022 World Championships, the 2023 Continental Championships, the 2023 Grand Prix 1, the 2023 Grand Prix II, and the 2024 Continental Championships.
At the end of the qualification period, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) will release the Olympic Qualification Rating (OQR) for each weight category.
The final assessment of weightlifters will be based on their best three performances achieved at the qualifying events. These performances will be considered for determining their eligibility for the 2024 Olympics.
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What is the Indian squad for the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships?
Women: Mirabai Chanu (49kg), Bindyarani Devi (55kg)
Men: Shubham Todkar (61kg), Achinta Sheuli (73kg), Narayana Ajith (73kg).
What is the Indian weightlifting squad for the 2023 Asian Games?
The Asian Games squad will remain the same, barring Todkar.
Women: Mirabai Chanu (49kg), Bindyarani Devi (55kg)
Men: Achinta Sheuli (73kg), Narayana Ajith (73kg).
