Mirabai Chanu’s Battle for 90kg Snatch lift
Mirabai Chanu, a prominent figure in the women’s 49kg weightlifting category, faces increasing pressure to achieve a 90kg snatch lift. While she has been a consistent frontrunner, the elusive 90kg mark has proven challenging, with seven athletes, including five in the recent Olympic cycle, successfully surpassing it.
Despite her best efforts since 2019, Chanu’s two attempts in the past four years have fallen short of the coveted lift. Her personal best stands at 88kg, creating a growing gap between her and her competitors.
Chinese weightlifters Hou Zhihui and Jiang Huihua consistently lift over 90kg, while the return of Thai weightlifters further intensifies the competition. The Asian Games, starting on September 23 in Hangzhou, China, offer Chanu a crucial opportunity to achieve the milestone.
India’s head coach, Vijay Sharma, expressed the goal of crossing the 90kg mark at the Asian Games, emphasizing their ongoing efforts. Chanu’s success in the snatch is vital to her overall performance, as her clean-and-jerk performance has been strong, albeit recently overshadowed by rivals.
For Chanu, crossing the 90kg mark is not only about competition but also a mental hurdle. Additionally, it would provide a significant confidence boost for her preparations for the Paris Olympics next year.
However, achieving this feat is not without its challenges, especially considering Chanu’s shoulder imbalance issue. Nonetheless, the coaching team remains cautious about overburdening her, considering her age and the risk of injuries.
In summary, Mirabai Chanu faces mounting pressure as she strives to achieve the elusive 90kg snatch lift, with the Asian Games serving as a crucial opportunity to make her mark in the highly competitive weightlifting field.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Deccan Herald
