2020 Olympics: Mirabai Chanu likely to compete in 49kg category

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu might compete in the 49kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics instead of her regular 48kg class as the international federation recently decided to introduce new categories in weightlifting.

The Executive Board of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) in its meeting on July 5 decided to introduce seven new weightlifting categories for both men and women in the Olympics and 10 new categories for both men and women in other international championships.

The weight categories to be competed in the 2020 Olympics are 49kg, 55kg, 59kg, 64kg, 76kg, 87kg and +87kg for women while the men's weight classes will be 61kg, 67kg, 73kg, 81kg, 96kg, 109kg and +109kg.

The EB's decision was ratified a day later by the Congress of the IWF.

Talking about the same, Indian Weightlifting Federation said: "There will be no change for the upcoming Asian Games but categories will be affected from the forthcoming 14th Youth and 55th men's and 31st women's junior national weightlifting championships 2018-19 and 71st men and 34th women senior national weightlifting championships 2018-2019. Circular for the same issued to all state units and executive members.