NEW DELHI, Aug 7: World Champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu today pulled out of the Asian Games after failing to recover from a lower back injury, which is yet to be fully diagnosed.
�Yes, Mirabai will not be taking part in the Asian Games,� Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) Secretary Sahdev Yadav told PTI.
The decision comes in the wake of national coach Vijay Sharma�s recommendation that the Commonwealth gold-medallist must pull out of Jakarta event from August 18 to be fit for the Olympic qualifiers, later this year.
The reigning CWG champion is struggling with an unidentified lower-back problem since May and is yet to begin full-fledged weight training.
When pain subsided last week, Mirabai travelled to Mumbai to get treated and resume weight training.
However, the 23-year-old felt discomfort again, prompting Sharma to recommend to the federation that she pull out to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.
�The Olympic qualifiers event is approaching and that is more important than the Asian Games,� Sharma had said.
The Manipuri weightlifter�s absence from the upcoming Asian Games comes as a huge setback for India, as she was considered one of the strongest contenders for a gold medal in the event. � PTI
