Karnam Malleshwari’s bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics raised the profile of Indian weightlifting by several notches but little is expected of London-bound Soniya Chanu and the lifter does not mind it one bit as she is keen on springing a surprise at the mega event.
“I don’t want to commit anything regarding winning a medal at the Olympics right now but I’m extremely hopeful of doing well. Pura chance hai medal jeetne ka (there is every chance of winning a medal),” Chanu told PTI .
Chanu (48 kg), who is joint 10th in the latest world rankings, said has a good chance of making the podium if she manages to deliver her best.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I have prepared well keeping in mind the requirements of the Olympic Games and I am pretty happy with it. Although it is always difficult to say how things will turn out during the competition, I’m confident if I give my 100 per cent, I stand a chance (of winning a medal),” she insisted.
Asserting if she maintains her present form and manages to reach 178 kg mark, which she claims to be achieving in the training, India may just end up with a medal in weightlifting.
“I lifted 75kg in snatch to win the bronze, while 100kg in clean and jerk. I finished fourth overall with a total of 175kg at the Asian Championships, which was pretty good.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I also did well in the World Championships with a total lift of 171kg and finished sixth overall. If I can reach around 178kg at the Olympics, I can certainly win a medal. And right now I’m doing better than that at the training,” Soniya said.