Indian weightlifters ensure representation at Olympics

Indian weightlifters earned two quota places for London Olympics—one each in men’s and women’s sections—in the Senior Asian Championships which concluded at Pyeongtaek, South Korea today. Indian women lifters collected 93 points and stood fourth in the Championships by virtue of which the country earned a berth for the London Olympics. [caption id=“attachment_293498” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“N Soniya Chanu was the best performer among the seven Indian women. Reuters”]  [/caption] N Soniya Chanu was the best performer among the seven Indian women who participated in the championships, winning a bronze in 48kg category. The men’s team of eight lifters collected 134 points and stood fifth in the championships which also gave India a quota place for London. This is the first Olympic quota place India has earned in men’s weightlifting after a gap of 12 years since the 2000 Sydney Games. Thandava Murthy Muthu competed in the men’s 56kg in 2000 Sydney Olympics and finished 16 with a total lift of 245kg. Indian Weightlifting Federation secretary general Sahdev Yadav said that the selection committee will meet shortly to pick the two lifters who will take part in the July 27-August 12 London Olympics. PTI