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Mirabai Chanu, the Olympic silver medalist from India, will not be attempting a lift at the World Weightlifting Championship s 2023, starting on September 4, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to get herself ready for the Asian Games later in the same month. The 29-year-old, who is currently rehabilitating in Saint Louis, USA, following her hip surgery last December, will be attending the 49kg category weigh-in at the upcoming world event, to compete at the Paris Olympics next year.
A weightlifter has to mandatorily attend the World Weightlifting Championships to become eligible for the Olympics as per the rules stipulated by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). But, they don’t need to attempt a lift at the tournament, rather, participate in the weigh-ins and stay available for dope testing.
Also Read: Mirabai Chanu to lead four-member Indian weightlifting team at Asian Games 2023
According to a report in the Indian Express, an official from the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF), was quoted as saying, “She will not be lifting at the World Championships. Right now, the focus is to keep her fresh and fit for the Asian Games.” They further stated that the entry lists for the World Weightlifting Championships 2023 have the Indian lifter named in Group D with her entry weight set at 60kg only.
Notably, since her hip surgery, Mirabai Chanu has competed in only one competition in May at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jingu, South Korea, where she finished in sixth place. Before and after this weightlifting event, she has been working hard with Dr Aron Horschig at the SQUAT University to get completely fit for the challenges lying ahead.
The priority for the Indian weightlifter is on the upcoming Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, the only major multi-sporting competition, where she hasn’t won a medal for India in her career.
