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Weightlifters raise the bar
India earn two berths, one each in men’s and women’s section, at Asian meet.
Weightlifting, it seems, has finally emerged from the shadow of doping.
On Monday, India’s overall performance in the Senior Asian Championships at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, helped the country earn two quota places --- one each in the men’s and women’s section.
The eight-member men’s team collected 134 points to finish fifth and win a quota place after nearly a decade, while the seven-member women’s team finished fourth with 93 points, which was enough to fetch a second quota place for the country.
After Karnam Malleswari's bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympic, Indian weightlifting was hit by doping scandals at the Athens (2004) and Beijing Games (2008).
The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) ensured that it steered clear of controversy this time. “Hopefully, the lifters will raise the bar further in London,” said Birendra Prasad Baishya, the IWF president.
“With less than three months to go for the mega event, the lifters have done their bit. The onus is now on the federation to pick the best of the lot as early as possible,” said a national level coach.
Currently, N Soniya Chanu (48kg), who claimed bronze in snatch in Korea, and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ravi Kumar (69kg) have a bright chance of donning national colours.
