In a thrilling quest for sporting greatness, India’s silver medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Mirabai Chanu, is all set to lead a five-member Indian contingent at the World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This event, scheduled from September 4 to 17, serves as a vital qualifier for the much-anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics, igniting the hopes of a Nation that eagerly awaits a shower of Olympic gold.
Chanu’s Quest for Gold:
With fiery determination in her eyes, the phenomenal Mirabai Chanu, a two-time world championships medallist, is aiming higher than ever before, in a quest to clinch the gold in the women’s 49 kg category. The memories of her triumphant roar in Anaheim’s 2017 meet and the silver glint from Bogota last year have only fuelled her desire to reign supreme on the world stage.
Bindyarani Devi’s Ascent:
Alongside Chanu, the indomitable Bindyarani Devi, fresh from her gold medal victory at the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, stands ready to make her mark in the women’s 55 kg event. Armed with an unyielding spirit and sheer determination, she seeks to etch her name among India’s weightlifting legends.
Training at SQUAT University:
The powerhouses Chanu and Bindyarani have honed their skills under the expert guidance of the esteemed Dr. Aron Horschig at St Louis’ SQUAT University. This cutting-edge training is expected to unleash their full potential, transforming them into unstoppable forces in Riyadh’s arena.
Achinta Sheuli and the Men’s Brigade:
On the men’s front, the spotlight shines on Achinta Sheuli, fresh from his 2022 Commonwealth Games triumph. The 73 kg category awaits his awe-inspiring display of strength, technique, and passion.
Alongside him, the fiercely talented Narayana Ajith and the golden boy Shubham Todkar, who recently secured the gold medal in the 61 kg category at the ongoing Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, are eager to leave their mark.
Jeremy Lalrinnunga’s Absence:
Alas, the electric atmosphere of the championships will miss the presence of Youth Olympic Games champion and Commonwealth gold medallist, Jeremy Lalrinnunga. An unfortunate injury has temporarily sidelined him from this exhilarating showdown. However, we have no doubt that this young champion will bounce back stronger, inspiring future generations with his resilience.
Chanu’s Road to Redemption:
This year’s World Weightlifting Championships hold special significance for the 28-year-old Mirabai Chanu, marking her second competition since undergoing a challenging five-month rehab after hip surgery in December last year.
She valiantly competed in May’s Asian Championships, finishing sixth, showcasing her indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Now, she returns to the global stage, fuelled by an hunger for victory.
Asian Games Beckon:
This thrilling Championships serves as a prelude to the upcoming Asian Games, where the same resolute team will proudly represent the Tricolour of India from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, China. The weightlifting prowess of this formidable squad promises a spectacle in the quest for Asian glory.
As the countdown begins, India’s weightlifting hopes soar high, and the nation stands united, cheering on its champions as they pursue a glittering future at the World Weightlifting Championships 2023. Let us bask in the fervour of sporting excellence, witnessing the unyielding pursuit of gold, the relentless spirit of athletes, and the resounding chorus of the Indian anthem on the global podium!