Five Indian Weightlifters Ready For IWF Grand Prix II Challenge

Five Indian weightlifters are set to participate in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Grand Prix II in Doha, Qatar, which serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The event, featuring ten weight categories for both men and women, will run from Monday to December 14.

Among the Indian athletes are Ajith Narayan and Achinta Sheuli in the men's 73kg category. Notably, Mirabai Chanu, a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, will attend the event for a weigh-in but won't lift due to an injury sustained during the Asian Games in October.

To remain eligible for the 2024 Paris Olympics, lifters must participate in specific events, including the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 World Cup. The IWF Grand Prix II is a crucial qualifying event where performances contribute to Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR) points.

Athletes earn OQR points based on their best total results in snatch and clean and jerk. The top 10 athletes, with one per country per weight category, will secure Olympic quotas for their nations after the qualification cycle concludes in April 2024.

Bindyarani Devi, a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, will compete in the non-Olympic women's 55kg division, while Gurdeep Singh, a CWG bronze medalist, will participate in the +109kg non-Olympic weight category.

It's worth noting that Chanu, despite not lifting at the Grand Prix II, is adhering to the qualification criteria by attending the weigh-in. This strategic move aligns with the rule mandating participation in at least three specific events, excluding two compulsory tournaments, to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

The Indian representation at the Grand Prix II includes accomplished lifters with national and international accolades. The competition's significance lies in its role as a stepping stone for athletes striving to secure Olympic berths, making it a crucial event on the road to the 2024 Paris Olympics.