Source: ATOM SAMARENDRA
Imphal, August 02:
With 61 medals in international weightlifting competitions under her belt, Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi of Manipur pins hope to win at least one medal at the forthcoming Athens Olympics beginning from August 13.N Kunjarani and Th Sanamacha Chanu of Manipur are in the Indian women weightlifting team.
They would compete in 48 kg and 53 kg category respectively.
Speaking exclusively to The Sangai Express just after arriving in New Delhi after completion of final phase of training at Belarus yesterday, Kunjarani said winning a medal in Olympics was her last ambition.
"Preparations are good.
If God is with me, I will surely bring a medal for India" the Arjuna awardee and recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Kunjarani said.
Kunjarani, the 38-year old Manipur lifter who dominted the weightlifting scene in India said that currently she could lift 90 kgs in snatch and 112 kgs in jerk for a total of 202 kgs.
The weight (202 kg) is undoubtedly medal winning prospect, she said.
She stood fourth position in the world women weighlifting championship held in Almaty last April lifting 187 kgs.
The veteran lifter is serving at the CRPF ranked DSP.
Kunjarani along with state mate Sanamacha and other lifters are presently at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.
As promised by sports minister Sunil Dutt, they are accommodated in air-conditioned rooms.
They will leave New Delhi for Athens on August six.
Kunjarani will flex her muscles on August 14 to show her first performance in the Athens Olympics while Sanamacha Chanu will perform the following day.
Meanwhile, Manipur Weighlifting Association expressed confidence the duo would exhibit their best performance in the Athens Olympics.
It is worthwhile to mention that three Manipur players are in the Indian contingent for the Sydney Olympics 2000.They are Brojeshwori (judo) and Suresh and Dingku (both boxing).
Manipur has so far produced seven Olympians including Kunjarani and Sanamacha.