Weightlifting star
However, the Indian squad has faced a significant setback with the withdrawal of Commonwealth Games silver medallist Chanambam Rishikanta Singh. The 60kg lifter, who has been managing a persistent knee injury for some time, has been ruled out of the tournament. Chief coach Vijay Sharma confirmed that despite Rishikanta’s ability to compete through the pain during the Commonwealth Games, he is not in a position to participate in Japan.
Strategic Focus on the Podium
The women’s 49kg category presents a unique opportunity for Mirabai, particularly with no Chinese competitors in the field. Chief coach Vijay Sharma has identified North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, Thailand’s Kaeosingkhon Suthasini, and Taiwan’s Fang Wan-ling as the primary challengers among the eight lifters. While Ri is considered a formidable opponent, the coaching staff believes that a total lift in the region of 200kg will be sufficient to secure a medal.
Mirabai’s preparation has been carefully managed following her success in Glasgow this past July. After battling shoulder and wrist injuries earlier in the year, the focus has shifted toward maintaining her physical health rather than pushing for maximum weight in training. Sharma emphasized that the primary objective for the team is to secure a medal rather than chasing a specific total, noting that they are avoiding overloading the athlete to ensure she remains in peak condition for the platform.
Broader Squad Outlook
Beyond Mirabai’s campaign, the remainder of the
For Mirabai, the upcoming event represents a chance to overcome past difficulties at the Asian Games. She was forced to miss the 2018 edition due to a back issue and suffered an injury on the competition platform during the 2023 event. With a refined training regimen and a clear focus on fitness, the team is hopeful that this year will mark a successful breakthrough for the experienced lifter.
