Official start to blame game

The official, and his colleagues, will no doubt introspect later and find that perhaps part of the blame can also be laid on their policy of clubbing Chanu with Kunja, though she normally takes part in the 54-kg category.

The idea was that one would ‘‘motivate’’ the other, but it seemed to have boomeranged on them, adding pressure on Kunja. Falling way behind the leaders, the two Indians ended up battling each other.

‘‘I think it was not a good thing to do but we have no say over the federation,’’ Kunja later said.

She snatched 75 kg in her second attempt before failing at 80 while Chanu managed 77.5 and retired hurt after she threw the barbell behind her and strained a shoulder muscle. Kunja, however, went on to finish the competition in seventh spot in a field of 12 with a total of 172.5.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Vikram Verma and SAI director-general Shekhar Dutt quitely sneaked out of the hall. Before entering, Verma had promised to meet Indian journalists.

Chanu, sitting in a corner, was pensive; ‘‘I will make good this poor performance’’ was all she could say. Kunja, also close to tears, was more vocal: ‘‘The next Asian Games is a long way away but I will train for the Athens Olympics 2004,’’ she said, adding, ‘‘this is my worst performance in 10 years.’’

One failed to understand why the Indian camp was disappointed. One coach had told The Indian Express before the team’s departure that it would be a medal-less trip.