Mirabai Chanu's Tokyo Olympics Silver Medal Is 'Oxygen' For Weightlifting, Says Karnam Malleswari

Sydney Olympics bronze medallist Karnam Malleswari believes Mirabai Chanu's silver in the recent Tokyo Games is "like oxygen" for Indian weightlifting and it will inspire youngsters to take up the sport. (More Sports News)

Malleswari, who had won a weightlifting bronze in the 2000 Olympics, also said that sports culture will grow in the country after India's best-ever show in the Tokyo Games.

바카라�After 20 years, Mirabai (Chanu바카라�s) medal has come, so it is doing work like oxygen for us. I think in the future, because of this medal, many children have got motivation and in future more medals will come,바카라� Malleswari told reporters after inaugurating 바카라�The Knee Clinic바카라� in Mumbai.

Talking about India's performance in Tokyo Olympics,  Malleswari said, "We have won seven medals. We have performed well and happiest thing is Neeraj Chopra, won the gold in athletics, where we even cannot think of a medal.

"Support is given by Indian government, SAI, Sports Ministry are playing their roles. Government supported Olympians to a large extent and they were given the best facilities and training and we saw its results," said the former weightlifter, who is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal.

She said because of the government support and good performance of the athletes, the parents are allowing their children to take up to sport as a career.

"There is awareness among the public. Earlier, there was a dilemma whether to make a career or not, but today the players can make a 100 per cent career (in sports).

"If you win an Olympic medal, you become a celebrity and get financially settled. Now the parents are also supporting. In the future, I see a good sports culture growing in India and there will be many medallists,바카라� added the 46-year-old.

"20 years back there was talk of cricket everywhere, but now Olympic sports are getting promoted, so as a result of which we are seeing seven medals in Olympics."

Talking about the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics, she said, "We won a silver today. First Deepa Malik won the medal (in Paralympics) and now this (Bhavinaben바카라�s medal) is the second one.

바카라�I watched her (Bhavina's) match, she played well, she lost the first round, but did well in the second. She won a silver, I am very happy,바카라� she said.

She also recollected an anecdote from the 2000 Sydney Olympics when current national badminton coach P Gopichand came running to her room to see the bronze medal she had won.

바카라�When my medal came, Gopi (Gopichand) knocked on my door, he asked whether I could take my medal in hand. I said wear it, it is our country바카라�s medal.

"My medal was the only one in Sydney games, today there is sports culture in India, sports medals (are coming). I am happy that the huddle which was there, I broke it and on that path the players are walking and winning medals,바카라� she said.

According to Malleswari, her foundation -- the 바카라�KMalleswari Foundation바카라� is planning to work with 바카라�The Knee Clinic Foundation바카라�.

바카라�Right now, we haven바카라�t tied up with 바카라�The Knee Clinic바카라�. We are planning as their concept is good and in sports normally there are more chances of knee, back and shoulder injuries.

"Every time a good player needs a doctor, so if we work together, we can do something for the underprivileged children and help sportspersons in dealing with injuries,바카라� she signed off.