Chinese weightlifting team expects better results at Rio

The Chinese weightlifting team has arrived here expecting a better performance at the Rio Olympics.

"The whole team is quite excited with the Rio Olympics right now. I told the lifters just to be calm and enjoy the Games. I don't want put too much pressure on them," said the head coach of the women's team Wang Guoxin here on Wednesday after landing, reports Xinhua.

The squad spent more than one week in San Paulo, the biggest city in Brazil, adjusting with the time zone and weather in a training camp.

"I feel good now. We had a good rest in San Paulo and now I' m totally get ready for the competition," said Li Yajjun, the women's 53kg division lifter.

"I hope our team can reap great rewards here," Wang added.

The Chinese team won five gold medals and two silvers at the London Olympics four years ago.

China has sent 10 lifters here to compete in 10 divisions, including four women, spearheaded by Olympic champion Long Qingquan in the men's 56kg division and Lv Xiaojun in the men's 77kg division.

"Eight years has gone (since I won the gold in Beijing Olympics), and one athlete seldom has the second chance to experience the Olympics. That's why I really cherish the Rio Olympics," said Long.

"I fight here for my son. I want to let him be proud of me when he grows up," added Long.

--IANS

sam/vt