Mirabai sure for 2nd Oly, Jeremy set to qualify

New Delhi, March 20

Weightlifting’s Olympics qualifying schedule has gone haywire due to the Covid-19 pandemic but Mirabai Chanu is a sure-shot candidate for the Tokyo Games, if they are held, while the teenaged Jeremy Lalrinnunga is also set to make the cut for the event.

Former world champion Chanu currently occupies the third place in the women’s 49kg world rankings following the cancellation of the Asian Championships, the last Olympics qualifying event of the continent due to the coronavirus outbreak. She has taken part in five events out of the six mandated in the new qualification rules. “Mirabai is certain to qualify for the Olympics, she is currently at the third spot in the world rankings. The top-8 from the world rankings after the end of the qualification period automatically qualify for the Tokyo Olympics,” Indian Weightlifting Federation secretary general Sahdev Yadav said.

Regarding the 17-year-old Lalrinnunga (67kg) Yadav said, “In the Olympics, there will be 14 competitors in each weight category, men and women. Besides the top-8 lifters, the top-ranked player from each of the five continents will also qualify. Jeremy is at the top of the Asian rankings and if the international federation’s recommendations are accepted by the IOC, he will also qualify.” — PTI

Rankings matter after cancellations

In a meeting of the Executive Board of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) held on March 17-18 via video conference, the world body made some recommendations to the International Olympic Association (IOC) regarding the Olympics qualifying events. One of the key recommendations, sources said, is to close the qualification process as all the five continental championships were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This would mean the Olympics qualification slots will be decided based on the current world rankings. IOC will, however, take a final call on IWF’s recommendations.