India can become weightlifting powerhouse, claims Kiren Rijiju

Having won a record 35 medals in the recently concluded Commonwealth Championships in Samoa across various youth, junior, and senior categories, the future of weight lifting in India seems to be bright. The glorious tally broke several national, Asian, Commonwealth and World records, leading to Kiren Rijiju paying a visit to the 37-member contingent to congratulate them.

"Good performances in tournaments are good signs. India can become the weightlifting powerhouse in the coming days," the Sports Minister was reported saying by TOI.

Historically, Inia has always been a strong contender in the sport and dominated the various Commonwealth tournaments. However, when it comes to the global stage, they usually fail to match the prowess of countries like China, North Korea and South Korea, hence missing out on opportunities to win World Championships and Olympic medals. Rijiju believes that the scenario could soon change in the country’s favour.

"We can have close competition with China and North Korea. India has the potential and I want that we should be at the top and get number of medals in the Olympics," Rijiju exclaimed.

Former world champion Mirabai Chanu and Youth Olympics gold medallist Jeremy Lalrinnunga of late have been driving the sport forward in the country and their efforts have led to impressive results in the several international meets at all levels.

Only recently in the Asian Championships, the 25 year old Chanu had lifted an impressive 199 kg, the same as her closest competition Zhang Rong of China. However, the Indian was narrowly eclipsed by her counterpart owing to the Chinese having a better clean and jerk score.

"The main weightlifting challenge comes from Asian countries. I feel we will win a medal in weightlifting at the Tokyo Olympics. The team has performed really well in Commonwealth Championship in senior and junior categories. India is the number one team in the Commonwealth now,” Rijiju added.

Slowly and gradually, the support received by these athletes from the Indian government has been increasing leading to better training infrastructure and more opportunities to compete on a global stage. Special focus has been placed on the youth to ensure future generations can carry forward the reputation that the present athletes have managed to build for the country. 

"We are doing whatever we can to help these athletes. Attention must be paid to the youth as they are the next generation and they will take us forward," concluded Rijiju.

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