We’re happy at the inclusion of three weightlifters in TOP Scheme, says Sahdev Yadav

The weightlifters in the Indian sporting setup have been consistent at winning medals for the country over the years with personalities like Karnam Malleswari, Kunjarani Devi and Monika Devi winning on the global stage in the past decade. And the Indian government’s decision to support such deserving candidates via the TOP scheme has been lauded by the domestic athletes across the country.

The sports ministry, spearheaded by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore recently, included three Indian weightlifters into their TOP scheme program. The government handed extensions to Sanjita Chanu and Pardeep Singh who were initially in the TOP Scheme only till the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The third inclusion in the list is young Rakhi Halder, who was included in the scheme after she created a national record in the 63 kg at the Senior National Championships in Mangalore.

"We are happy at the inclusion of the three weightlifters in the TOP Scheme. The weightlifters performed really well in the CWG. Otherwise also the sport is on the rise. In this context, the ministry's decision will help our lifters doing better in the events coming ahead," IWLF Secretary General Sahdev Yadav told PTI.

While world champion Mirabai Chanu (women's 48kg) continued to be in the TOPS list, Ragala V Rahul (men's 85kg), Punam Yadav (women's 69kg) and Satish Sivalingam (men's 77kg), who had all bagged medals at the recently concluded Gold Coast CWG, were dropped.

Yadav also revealed that Rahul and Sivalingam were dropped from the list as they were both injured but hoped to see them back on the list after they recover from their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Punam Yadav is currently suspended by the IWLF for indiscipline after she left the national camp (at NIS Patiala) for home on two occasions without taking prior permission from the Wrestling Federation.