Ravi Kumar, Soniya selected for London Olympics weightlifting

Indian weightlifters had earned two quota places for London Olympics -- one each in men's and women's sections -- in the April 22-30 Senior Asian Championships at Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation today announced that Ravi Kumar (men's 69kg) and Soniya Chanu (women's 48kg) will represent the country in the July 27-August 12 London Olympics.

"Ngangbam Soniya Chanu in 48 kg women will represent India in Olympic Games whereas Katulu Ravi Kumar in 69 kg men will participate," a federation release said. The two lifters were chosen at the selection committee meeting held here yesterday.

Soniya Chanu had won a bronze in women's 48kg category Senior Asian Championships while Ravi Kumar had finished sixth in men's 69kg. This is the first Olympic quota place India has earned in men's weightlifting after a gap of 12 years since the 2000 Sydney Games.

Thandava Murthy Muthu competed in the men's 56kg in 2000 Sydney Olympics and finished 16 with a total lift of 245kg.u00a0