Host India is pinning its medal hopes on three athletes in the forthcoming World Open powerlifting championship to be held here from November 1 to 7.
“P. Suresh (56 kg), Shyam Singh Rana (60 kg) and N.J. Jimpson (67.5 kg) are expected to win medals for the country,” Subrata Dutta, the Meet Director of the championship, told reporters at a press conference here on Saturday.
However, the home team does not expect a podium finish from any woman powerlifter.
“We want to be realistic and honest. There is no chance of getting a medal in the women’s section,” Dutta said.
In the previous edition of the championship in Canada in 2008, India was unable to win a single medal.
India is likely to name 19 powerlifters, the maximum number of athletes a country can field in the Worlds, of which nine will be women.
The team will be selected after the medal winners of the recently-concluded Nationals were put through the trials.
The Organising Committee has warned the athletes against doping and will conduct dope tests in the run-up to the event and during the championship.
“Doping will bring shame to the country and we do not want that to happen. Besides, the federation will be fined in the case any athlete tests positive for any banned substance,” Dutta said.
Altogether 39 countries, including India, will take part in the championship.
