Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Chanu withdrawal latest setback for India ahead of Asian Games

India's bid to win their first Asian Games gold medal in weightlifting suffered a major jolt with women's 48kg world champion Mirabai Chanu pulling out of the competition with a back injury.

Expectation has been high since the Manipuri lifter added Commonwealth Games gold in April to her 2017 world championship triumph but a spinal spasm will keep the 24-year-old out of the Games in Indonesia beginning on Aug. 18.


"Owing to the severe back pain, entry... has been withdrawn," Indian Weightlifting Federation secretary general Sahdev Yadav said in a statement, adding the lifter was undergoing a rehabilitation programme.

Chief national coach Vijay Sharma has advised the federation against rushing Chanu's return and risk aggravating the injury.

In her email to the federation, Chanu said she wanted to focus on November's world championship in Turkmenistan instead as it would double up as a qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"Since there is no provision for replacement, we'd be sending four lifters, instead of five," Yadav told Reuters over telephone.

Chanu's withdrawal is a latest setback for the federation following the provisional suspension of two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sanjita Chanu whose A sample tested positive for an anabolic steroid in May.

Sanjita has denied charges of any wrongdoing and wants an inquiry into the matter.

Rakhi Halder, who will compete in 63kg, will be the lone woman Indian lifter at the Games. In men's competition, Sathish Kumar and Ajay Singh will compete in 77kg, while Vikas Thakur will participate in 94kg.

More For You

Commonwealth Games

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Ahmedabad set to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Highlights:

  • Ahmedabad recommended as host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
  • The 2030 Games will mark 100 years since the first event in Hamilton, Canada.
  • India also bidding to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

AHMEDABAD has been recommended to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport announced on Wednesday.

Keep ReadingShow less