The World Weightlifting Championships are set to commence on October 2, 2025, in Førde, Norway. India's hopes in this tournament are particularly pinned on former champion Mirabai Chanu. Mirabai, the 2017 World Champion and 2022 silver medalist, will represent India in the 48 kg category this time.
Sports News: Former champion Mirabai Chanu will test herself in the new 48 kg category at the World Weightlifting Championships, starting October 2 in Førde (Norway), carrying India's medal hopes. India has fielded a 12-member team for this championship, but Mirabai Chanu, the 2017 World Champion and 2022 silver medalist, is the country's sole athlete from whom a medal is expected.
All Eyes on Mirabai
The 31-year-old Mirabai Chanu, who will compete in the new Olympic weight categories for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has decided to move from the 49 kg category to the 48 kg category. After a long rehabilitation period following an injury at the Tokyo Olympics, Mirabai made a stellar comeback at the Commonwealth Championships in August. During this, she lifted a total of 193 kg (84 kg + 109 kg).
Mirabai's preparation also involves her chief coach Vijay Sharma, who will help her assess both new and familiar rivals. In this tournament, Mirabai will evaluate her progress and strategize for the upcoming Olympics. In the 48 kg category, Mirabai will face several tough competitors. Ri Song Gum (North Korea), the current World Champion in the 49 kg category, is a b contender for the gold medal.
Additionally, Mirabai is expected to face b competition from Asian Champion Thanyathon Sukcharoen of Thailand and the previous championship's bronze medalist, Rosegie Ramos of the Philippines. Mirabai's challenge will not only be to win an individual medal but also to enhance India's prestige at the international level. Her performance will provide an opportunity for other Indian weightlifters to gain experience and understand the strengths of their rivals.
Indian Team
India has fielded a 12-member team for this World Championship. Besides Mirabai Chanu (48 kg), the women's team includes Bindyarani Devi (58 kg), Nirupama Devi (63 kg), Harjinder Kaur (69 kg), Vanshita Verma (86 kg), and Mahak Sharma (+86 kg). In the men's category, India will be represented by Rishikant Singh (60 kg), M. Raja (65 kg), N. Ajith (71 kg), Ajay Valluri Babu (79 kg), Dilbag Singh (94 kg), and Lovepreet Singh (+110 kg).
