Gurdeep Singh finishes 12th at International Weightlifting Federation Grand Prix II

Commonwealth Games medalist Indian weightlifter Gurdeep Singh had a disappointing performance by finishing 12th in the men's over 109 kg category at the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) Grand Prix 2 here.

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The 28-year-old athlete from Punjab had managed an overall effort of 340. This was 50 kg less than the weight he lifted in Birmingham Commonwealth Games last year. Gurdeep Singh won the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games by lifting 390 kg.

Gurdeep Singh, who could not play most of the competitions this year due to a wrist injury, lifted 145 kg in the snatch category and then 195 kg in clean and jerk. Overall, India's performance in this Olympic qualifying competition was disappointing.

Meanwhile, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu (49 kg) did not lift weight as she is still recovering from hip tendinitis injury which she sustained in October while competing at the Asian Games. While Bindyarani Devi (55 kg) could not complete her event.

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Achinta Sheuli and defending national champion Narayan Ajith finished 12th and 16th respectively in the men's 73kg weight category. This weight category is included in the Olympics.

The IWF does not host Grand Prix events every year, but 2023 featured two (Grand Prix I took place in June). Both Grands Prix are official Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualification events. The athletes who podiumed in Doha are hot on the heels of securing a bid to the upcoming Games in France next summer.

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The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) will publish the Olympic Qualification Rating of each weight category at the end of the qualification period. A weightlifter's best three performances at the qualifying events will be taken into account for final assessment. Under the 2024 Olympics qualification rule, the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 World Cup are compulsory events.