The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) on Tuesday told the international body to shift next month’s Asian Youth and Junior Championships out of the country, but chief weightlifting coach Harnaam Singh feels the decision will have no effect on the confidence of the juniors preparing for the event. “Our junior weightlifters had performed brilliantly at the recently concluded Commonwealth Championships, and they are preparing as hard as they can. Wherever the championships are conducted, it will not affect our preparation or medal-winning chances,” said the coach.

There is, however, one worry that haunts Singh. Since India has withdrawn from hosting the event — which is scheduled to begin from December 14 — it might be held next year if the Asian Weightlifting Federation doesn’t find replacement hosts soon.

Age limit

“If it does take place next year, a couple of our lifters will cross the age limit of 20 which is there for those participating in the youth and junior events,” observed the coach.

At least one lifter, Sukhen Dey, who had won the 56kg gold at the Commonwealth Championships last week, would not be eligible. “We, however, have suitable replacements,” said Singh.

The federation’s general secretary Baldev Raj Gulati said the doping saga in which seven lifters tested positive left the IWF with little confidence to hold the event. “How could we have gone to the sponsors after all that has happened,” he asked. “To conduct the event, we would have needed at least one crore and sixty lakh rupees. I don’t have the confidence to approach any sponsors with the kind of publicity we have been getting recently. Moreover, we wouldn't have received support from the government either,” said.

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