In a pivotal move setting the stage for the upcoming World Championships, Indian weightlifters N. Ajith and Achinta Sheuli are striving for redemption. Both athletes were unceremoniously dropped from the Asian Games squad last month, and they now eye a chance to prove themselves at this crucial competition. On the other hand, former champion Mirabai Chanu (49kg) will only attend the weigh-in as a formality, focusing her energy on qualifying for the Paris Olympics rather than competing for a medal at the Championships.
Mirabai Chanu's decision to not lift at the Championships has repercussions for the Indian squad. No Indian weightlifter will likely be in contention for a medal as none have posted an entry weight substantial enough for a Group A classification. Chanu will complete only the necessary steps to maintain her eligibility for the Paris Games.
Ajith and Sheuli both compete in the 73kg category and are determined to shine. Ajith, who currently holds the title of the reigning national champion, registered an entry weight of 305kg and is classified under Group C.
"I have been lifting 318kg in training, I want to reach 320kg," Ajith disclosed in an interview with PTI.
Sheuli has faced his share of struggles with injuries since winning the Commonwealth Games title last year. His last World Championships ended in disappointment due to a hamstring pull. He has listed an entry weight of just 280kg, far below his personal best of 313kg, placing him in Group D.
Shubham Todkar (61kg), another male lifter representing India, is also aiming to make his mark. Despite not performing well in recent international tournaments, Todkar has high hopes for the Championships.
"For the World Championships, I want to increase my snatch to 125kg and clean and jerk up to 155kg," Todkar mentioned.
Bindyarani Devi, who clinched a silver medal at the Asian Championships, will be another athlete to watch. She is also setting her sights on the Asian Games and is listed in Group C for the women's 55kg event, a non-Olympic weight category.
All Indian lifters, competing in Olympic weight classes, will aim to garner the requisite ranking points for the Paris Games qualification. The 2023 World Championships and the 2024 World Cup are obligatory events under the 2024 Olympic qualification rules.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) will release the Olympic Qualification Ratings (OQR) at the end of this qualifying period, and the best three performances from each weightlifter will be assessed for the final selection.
Indian Squad at the World Championships:
Women: Mirabai Chanu (49kg), Bindyarani Devi (55kg)
Men: Shubham Todkar (61kg), Achinta Sheuli (73kg), Narayana Ajith (73kg).
(With inputs from PTI, powered by AI)
