53kg could be a tough ask for Mirabai by the time LA Games begins

WITH the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) dropping 48kg from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, India's star lifter Mirabai Chanu has been forced to change her weight category twice in a year to stay in contention for the Games. Mirabai, who won a silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 49kg, had dropped down to 48kg after the IWF axed her pet category from the Olympics.

- FIROZ MIRZA @ Chennai

She won a silver medal in the new weight division at the World Championships last month. Now, she has to shift to 53kg if she wants to compete in the quadrennial event.

Despite the latest development, head coach Vijay Sharma claimed the change will be a blessing in disguise for the Manipuri weightlifter but it could also turn out to be a difficult proposition for her as she could face stiff competition not only from the 53kg regulars but also those who switch to it from 48kg to keep their Olympic dreams alive. Given the fact that Mirabai will be 34 in 2028 could also work against her if she qualifies for the Games.