Reports: Back injury could force Mirabai Chanu out of Asian Games
World Champion Mirabai Chanu has suffered a back injury owing to which her participation at the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia is doubtful, revealed her coach Vijay Sharma. The Indian weightlifter has not trained since May and has been advised to take rest until the nagging issue subsides.
Saikohm Mirabai Chanu became a permanent feature in the 48 kg category after her silver medal performance at the 2014Â Commonwealth Games, Glasgow. Her biggest achievement came at the World Weightlifting Championships 2017, where she won a gold following which she received the Padma Shri award for her achievements and contributions to the sport.
Chanu recently won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games too, smashing the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games' weightlifting record by lifting 196 kg. However, following that performance, Chanu suffered a lower back injury which stopped her dream run and although coach Sharma has stated about the injury isn't a major one as the MRI and other reports showed positive results, her Asian Games participation would be doubtful.Â
"The injury is not a major one, although it has been persistent. MRI scans and other reports have shown positive results. We think it is a ligament issue which will get better upon taking proper rest. She feels the pain in her lower back when she trains,” said Sharma, reported Scroll.
Speaking about Chanu’s participation at the Asian Games, Sharma stated that he will be able to answer after a week but was positive that she will recover with time.
“We won’t be able to take a call on her (Chanu’s) participation until next week. It is a bit concerning that we have not been able to understand the main reason for her injury but at the same time, we are positive that she will recover with rest and time. Hopefully, she will start training soon,” he added.