Photo via Hindustan Times

Asian Games: China’s absence boosts Mirabai Chanu’s medal hopes

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu stands on the cusp of capturing her first Asian Games medal during the upcoming competition on Wednesday. The opportunity has been significantly enhanced by the surprising decision of powerhouse China to sit out the women's 49kg division entirely.

National coach Vijay Sharma noted that while Chanu's primary challenger will be two-time defending champion Ri Song Gum of North Korea, athletes from Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, and Thailand are also expected to vie for podium finishes. Chanu enters the event with a targeted entry weight of 200kg, trailing the North Korean's opening aggregate of 210kg, though her camp reports she is in peak physical and mental condition without any injury concerns.

Additionally, fellow Indian competitor Gyaneshwari Yadav is scheduled to compete in the 53kg final on the same day.