BENGALURU: Indian weightlifters put up a good show at the Commonwealth Games, winning nine medals. It was more or less expected, considering India's decent record in the competition over the years. But when it comes to Asian Games, the record is least impressive.
After Karnam Malleswari clinched a silver in 1998, no Indian has won a medal. The last four editions yielded zero medals. During the same period in the CWG (excluding 2018), India has won 37 medals. Such contrasting results explain the difference in the level of competition.
"The standard of Olympics and Asian Games is almost the same. If you win a medal in Asian Games, you have a chance to win in Olympics too. For CWG, the weightlifting standard is lower so we win medals," national weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma told Express.
If one has followed Indian weightlifting in the last few years, it has shown promise. Mirabai Chanu won World Championship gold in the 48kg category last year. In Jakarta at the Asian Games, Indians will be in an advantageous position because of the absence of some top teams. Strong contenders China, who won 14 lifting medals in 2014, and Kazakhstan are banned because of doping offences.
"That (no China and Kazakhstan) is going to be a plus for us. Both these nations have been dominant in the medals tally when it comes to weightlifting. In their absence, I hope we will win some medals. It is not only because of their absence. Our weightlifters have also improved in the last few years," said the coach.
On the other hand, weightlifters from Iran, Thailand, North Korea will make sure Indians face stiff competition. Sharma, who has brought about changes in dietary habits and nutrition of the athletes after taking charge a few years ago, feels Mirabai is a genuine hope.
"Right now, there are three-four who should win medals at the Asian Games. I hope the 20-year drought comes to an end. I have expectations from Mirabai, Rakhi (63) in the women's competition. Rahul (85) and Pardeep Singh (105) are contenders in the men's section. If things go according to plans, we shall do well," said Sharma.
After the successful CWG campaign, the lifters were back at the camp soon. Winning medals will boost their qualifying chances for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. They were involved in a three-week high altitude training camp in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh, and are back in Patiala, where trials are scheduled later this month.
ashim.sunam@newindianexpress.com