World Champion Mirabai Chanu withdraws from Asian Games

New Delhi: Reigning World Champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu who was considered a strong gold medal contender for India in the Asian Games beginning in Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 was forced to withdraw from the multi-sporting event due to lower back injury.

“Mirabai Chanu has encountered a spinal spasm which resulted in severe back pain. Presently she is going through rehabilitation. Owing to the pain, Mirabai's entry has been withdrawn from the Asian Games,” the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Mirabai's exclusion.

The Manipuri weightlifter withdrawing from the Asian Games will  be a huge loss for India as she being the favourite to win a gold medal in the event.

The Commonwealth gold medallist was suffering from lower back problem since May, but when the pain stopped last week she went to Mumbai for her treatment and began her weight training.

However, the weightlifter felt pain again prompting national coach Vijay Sharma to recommend to the IWLF that she withdraw to further avoid injury becoming more serious ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.

The World Championship, coming up in Ashgabat from November 1, will be the first Olympic qualifying event this year. (UNI)