Khelo India Youth Games to witness participation of Jeremy Lalrinnunga

Youth Olympics gold medallist weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga from Mizoram will be one of the star attractions at the second edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, which will officially begin here from Wednesday. Sixteen-year-old Jeremy, who was training with the Army Sports Institute here had bagged a gold medal in 62kg weight category, representing Maharashtra, in the first edition of these Games held last year.

However, this time Jeremy will be representing his state - Mizoram and will be competing in the 67 kg weight category. His event will take place on Thursday, a media release issued Tuesday said. Jeremy will be joined by his statemate and ASI trainee Jacob Vanlaltluanga, who had won a bronze medal in Asian Youth and Junior Championship held in Uzbekistan in April 2018. Jacob will be taking part in U-21 in weight category 61 kg.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra's hopes are pinned on Abhishek Nipane (U-21, 67kg), and in the girls' category, Khushali Gangurde (U-21, 45kg) is considered as a medal prospect. "The lifters from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana are doing well and now the boys from Arunachal Pradesh have marked their presence at the national level," former national coach Pal Singh Sandhu was quoted as saying in the release. "Among girls', Manipur is dominating. Last year they had won four gold and one silver medal in Khelo India. Among other states, lifters from Punjab and Uttarakhand are likely to impress," added Sandhu.

(With inputs from agencies.)