India is gearing up for the Weightlifting World Championships in Bahrain starting December 6th, but the spotlight will shift from its leading lifter, Mirabai Chanu, to a new generation of weightlifters.
Chanu, who has been the face of Indian weightlifting, will skip the event to focus on her rehabilitation program as she recovers from persistent injuries.
Mirabai Chanu’s Journey and Challenges
Mirabai Chanu, the Olympic Silver medallist and former World Champion, has been battling injuries over the past two years. Her most recent outing at the Asian Games ended prematurely as she was carried off the arena due to an injury.
Chanu last competed at the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing a medal in the 49kg category by just 1kg. Her total lift of 199kg (88kg Snatch + 111kg Clean & Jerk) placed her 4th.
Since her Silver medal performance at the 2022 World Championships, Chanu has entered only the mandatory events required for Olympic qualification.
She even opted to weigh in without competing at last year’s World Championships, underscoring her cautious approach to managing her fitness ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
India’s Squad for Bahrain
In Chanu’s absence, India will be represented by Gyaneswari Yadav, Bindyarani Devi, and Ditimoni Sonowal, all eager to make their mark on the international stage.
● Gyaneswari Yadav: The 21-year-old National and Commonwealth Champion will compete in the 49kg category. With an entry weight of 185kg, she holds the joint 5th highest entry in a field of 10 competitors.
● Bindyarani Devi: A 2022 Commonwealth Games Silver medallist, Bindyarani will participate in the 55kg category, a non-Olympic weight class. She is entered in the B division with an entry weight of 200kg.
● Ditimoni Sonowal: Competing in the 64kg category, also a non-Olympic class, Sonowal will start in the C division with an entry weight of 208kg.
Opportunity for Growth
The absence of male lifters and the unavailability of Chanu means that India’s medal prospects are slim.
However, the Championships serve as a vital platform for emerging talent to gain exposure at the highest level. Gyaneswari, Bindyarani, and Ditimoni are positioned to test their mettle against seasoned international competitors, making this a crucial learning experience for the country’s future stars.
While Mirabai Chanu’s absence will be keenly felt, this World Championship offers a glimpse into the next generation of Indian weightlifting.
For Gyaneswari, Bindyarani, and Ditimoni, Bahrain could mark the beginning of their journey toward establishing themselves on the global stage.
