Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu will finally be back in action. One of the best weightlifters in her 49 kg category, the Manipuri is making a comeback after a long injury layoff. She will be taking part in the fourth edition of IWF World Cup in Phuket from 31st March to April 11.
Interestingly, this will be the last chance for Chanu to secure her Paris Olympics berth. Chanu currently is ranked second in the Race to Paris Rankings in the women’s 49 kg category, most likely will be the only Indian in the 2024 Olympics.
Apart from Mirabai Chanu, Bindyarani Devi in the Fray
Another weightlifter, Bindayarani Devi would appear in the IWF World Cup as well, but it is next to impossible for her to make the cut. She is currently in the 29th position in the women’s 59 kg category, that rules out any chances of her qualifying. On the other hand, there will be no men’s representation at the tournament, as Achita Sheuli and Gurdeep Singh withdrew from the competition.
Eyes on Clean & Jerk
For a long time now, Mirabai has been targeting to at least attain a lift of 90 kg in the snatch category. At the Asian Games 2023, she had failed to do so, and had finished fourth in the competition. Not just that, she had suffered a thigh injury there. So, given she qualifies for Paris, she will have to come up with a solid performance in the snatch category, to be in the medal contention.
IWF World Cup Schedule
April 1 – Women’s 49 Kg (Group B) – 12:00 PM
April 2 – Women’s 55 Kg (Group A) – 5:30 PM
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