New Delhi, Jul 11: Karnam Malleshwari's bronze at the 2000 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.
“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.
India earned two quota places for London Olympics—one each in men's and women's sections (K Ravi Kumar in 69 kg and Soniya) -- during the Senior Asian Championships in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
India finished fifth in the men's team standings with 134 points and fourth in the women's section with 93 points to earn the places.
Asserting that if she maintains her present form and manages to reach the 178kg mark, India may just end up with a medal in weightlifting, Soniya said, “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.
