Lifters earn two quota places for Rio Games

The Indian men’s and women’s weighlifting teams secured two quota places for the Rio Games at the recent senior Asian championships held at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

A total of 100 points were scored by the women lifters, who were placed third. While the men earned 129 points to finish sixth at the Champi-onships. The performance confirmed two quota places for India for the Olympics.

“We have secured two quota places, one each in the men’s and the women’s categories. Now, we will hold trials to select the best two lifters who will represent India at the Rio Games,” said Indian Weighlifting Federation vice-president Sahdev Yadav, adding that the trial dates will be decided later.

At the championships, held from April 21 to 30, the women put up an impressive show. While Glasgow CWG silver medallist Punam Yadav (63kg) secured the sixth position, bronze medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (48kg) and Sagolsem Thasana Chanu (58kg) both finished seventh in their respective categories.

Mirabai Chanu (48kg) smashed the national record in snatch with an effort of 84kg and equalling the national record in overall lift with 190kg (106kg in clean & jerk) en route to her seventh-place finish. Current coach N. Kunjarani Devi holds the record (190kg), which she created during 2004 Athens Olympics.