Lifters’ chances appear bleak: Malleswari

Sydney Olympic bronze medallist Karnam Malleswari plans to return to her roots. The former weightlifter plans to set up a sports academy in her hometown, Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh.

The government has agreed to grant land for the purpose, and things have started to move. “The academy will give a fillip to sports in the area. The youngsters are hard working and proper guidance will help them make it big,” Malleswari told HT.

Her idea of giving back to society isn’t confined to weightlifting. There would be facilities for wrestling, boxing, archery and shooting as well. “There are events where the next generation can make an impact. So I want to make a contribution,” she added.

It’s been 16 years since Malleswari won bronze in the women’s 69kg event, but since then results have dried up.

She says multiple factors like doping are responsible for the dip. “Doping has plagued the discipline in the country. Sports administrators should find ways to tackle it,” she said.

Sanamacha Sanu and Shailaja Pujari failed dope tests at the 2004 Athens Olympics, while it was a ‘no lift’ by Malleswari at the event.

Four years later, Monika Devi failed to make it to Beijing Olympics, barred from taking the flight following a positive test before the Games.

Although she disputed the finding and was eventually cleared of doping, it was too late to reach Beijing for her competition. Malleswari, who bagged gold in World Championships between 1993 and 1996, said the chances in Rio looks bleak.

“The lifters should have made an impression in pre-Olympic tournaments. It boosts confidence and enhances chances of a podium finish. Our team hasn’t done well in the last two years, except in low-key tournaments like Commonwealth Championships, and it doesn’t augur well for the discipline.”

Two years before claiming bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics, Malleswari had won silver in 63kg at the Bangkok Asian Games.

After the bronze in Sydney, there was a surge in participation.