New Delhi
Her Asian Games participation is in doubt due to an aching lower back, but world champion and Commonwealth Games gold-medallist weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu says the injury is not as bad as first thought of and she would need just two weeks of training to be competition ready.

Mirabai had complained of discomfort in her lower back in May. The injury has since puzzled doctors, who are unable to diagnose the cause. “I am confident that in two weeks I can prepare well for the Asian Games,” said Mirabai.

“The pain started around May 25. I travelled to several places, including Delhi and Mumbai, for treatment but the doctors are not able to diagnose what exactly the injury is. All tests have come back normal,” she added.

But with less than a month to go for the continental showpiece to be held in Indonesia from August 18, the ace weightlifter says the pain is subsiding. “The treatment prescribed is working. In the past two days, the pain has reduced. Within two-three weeks, if the pain continues to lessen, I will be able to lift weights.”

Doctors have advised Mirabai, who competes in the 48kg category, to refrain from lifting heavy weights.

The world champion is currently at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, where she is limiting herself to upper body training. “I am in Patiala with everyone else in the camp because we thought if I get treated here I can resume weightlifting as soon as the pain subsides. I am just concentrating on bodybuilding and strengthening my upper body,” she said.

A decision on her participation will be made within the next two weeks. “I am very keen on participating in the Asian Games because countries like China, Thailand and Kazakhstan are top competitors in weightlifting. It will be a good competition,” she said.

In November, the Manipuri had clinched India’s first gold at the World Championship in 22 years after lifting 194kg (85kg+109kg) at Anaheim, USA.

She also bagged the gold medal at the Gold Coast Games in April by lifting a personal best of 196kg (86kg+110kg), also a national record.