Chanu, Kunjarani corner glory

Though her snatch of 75 kgs was not her best, but her total of 182.5 kgs was more than what she had lifted at Athens. The overall winner, was Japan8217;s Niyanagi Kaori, who lifted 185 kgs in total. Kunjarani won two silvers, for snatch and overall.

Sanamacha Chanu in the 53 kg class won three gold medals lifting 87.5 in snatch and 110 kgs in jerk, with a total of 197.5 kgs. Her main rival was Li Zhou of China, the world record holder in 48 kgs jerk. Li Zhou8217;s world record in 48 kgs is 195 kgs. It was obvious that she was made to go to 53 kgs class, as her body weight was only 49.28 kgs.

Making Sanamacha lift in 53 kgs was a wise decision, as she had put up a dismal performance at Athens, when she failed in all her snatches.

The performance of Kunjarani Devi in snatch was disappointing as she had lifted 72.5 kgs in the 1997 Nationals, just two months after a knee operation. She obviously needs medical treatment. The absence of Taranenko and the medical doctor, who could not go, due to visa problems, obviously had an effect.

The world record in 48 kgs8217;s 195 kgs, and in 53 kgs it is 217.5 kgs. Both records are held by the Chinese. It was good beginning for India.

Both Kunjarani and Malleswari are ranked No 5 in the world, the highest by an Indian sportsperson in the Olympic events. In addition, Kunjarani is ranked among the 10 greatest lifters of the century.