Ravi Kumar aims for medal at London Olympics

International weightlifter K. Ravi Kumar of Berhampur qualified yesterday to compete at the London Olympics. The 23-year-old weightlifter, the only from Odisha to enter the Olympics league, is vying for a medal at the apex-sporting event to start from July 28. Ravi got a qualification slot for the London Olympics games in the 69-kg category. “I stood sixth in 69-kg category in the Asian Qualifying Tournament held at Seoul in South Korea and qualified to take part in the London Olympics. I lifted a total of 335kg in clean, jerk and overall weight,” said Ravi, who is suffering from a muscle injury on his left shoulder. “I will definitely try to bag a medal in London Olympics. Though the Olympics record in 69-kg weightlifting is 346kg overall and 358kg in world championship, I have in mind to lift more than 335kg in overall weight,” Ravi said. On asked whether the injury on his left shoulder will anyway affect his ambition to bag an Olympics medal, Ravi said: “Not at all.” “Prior to the Asian Qualifying Tournament held at Seoul, I underwent a spot injection on my shoulder to step forward. Fortunately, there is no problem on my shoulder now and I am temporarily relieved,” he said.

Ravi said he is practising seven hours a day to achieve his goal. “We will take parte in the Commonwealth Championship at Samoan islands situated in the Central South Pacific from June 4 to June 8 prior to the London Olympics,” he said. K. Suryakanta, the proud mother of Ravi Kumar, is happy after her son qualified for the mega-sporting event. “Ravi will definitely bag a medal in the London Olympics. There will be other senior weightlifters in the Olympics than my son, who not only is young but also suffering from shoulder pain. But, I am sure that he will definitely bring a medal for India with the blessings of the almighty and the people of the country,” Suryakanta said.

Source: The Telegraph