Picture Credit: Twitter
India's Tokyo Olympics silver-medallist Mirabai Chanu still has an outside chance to the win gold medal in the 49kg women’s weightlifting competition. While the tournament may well be over for her, it is now being reported that China’s Hou Zhizhi, who bagged the gold in the category, has been asked to stay put in Tokyo for a doping Test. In the case of Zhizhi failing this tests, the Indian, who was the second best, will be given the medal.
Post her silver win, Chanu did sound happy but also stated that she was determined to go for the ultimate prize- the olympic gold- but could not achieve her ambition. Who knows perhaps she can still get to live that dream if things pan out accordingly.
"She (Zhizhi) has been asked to stay in Tokyo and the test will be done. The test is definitely happening," a source told ANI.
Meanwhile, Chanu, had taken to social media to thank her countrymen and fans, soon after winning the medal.
Here is her tweet:
"It’s really a dream come true for me. I would like to dedicate this medal to my country and would like to thank a billion prayers of all Indians which were with me during this journey. I like to thank my family especially my mother for a lot of sacrifices and believing in me," said Chanu in a statement posted on her Twitter account.
"Also special thanks to our government for supporting me, Ministry of Sports, SAI, I0A, Weightlifting Federation of India, Railways, OGQ, sponsors, and my marketing agency IOS for their continuous support in this journey," she added.
"I would like to give special thanks to my coach Vijay Sharma sir and support staff for their continuous hard work, motivation, and training. Thank you once again entire weightlifting fraternity and all my countrymen," she further said.
The Manipur sports personality had lifted a total of 202 kg (87kg in snatch and 115kg in clean and jerk) during her successful attempts in the event. Zhihui Hou, who has the gold for now, had lifted 210 kgs. In case, Zhihu fails the dope test, even Indonesia’s Windy Cantika Aisah, who had grabbed the bronze with a total of 194kg will receive a silver.
