Asian Games 2018: CWG gold medalist Mirabai Chanu's participation doubtful

World champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu's participation at the Asian Games is doubtful as she is dealing with the lower-back problem since May 2018.

India's chief coach Vijay Sharma said that she must pull out of Asian Games 2018 in order to focus on the Olympic qualifiers that will take place later this year.

"I have submitted a report to the federation. Now they have to take a decision. I am of the opinion that in such less time it's not good to take heavy load. The Olympic qualifiers event is approaching and that is more important than the Asian Games," Sharma said.

"She is in constant touch with the federation. She was okay but felt slight pain yesterday in training. She stopped training but has resumed it again today," he added.

On her unidentified health issue, coach Sharma said, "It is a rare problem, the doctors say there might be small tear in the ligament. That is why the MRI's and CT scans are coming clean."

She is one of the strongest contenders for a gold medal in Jakarta but she has yet to begin full-fledged weight training.

International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) secretary Sahdev Yadav said that the final decision on her participation will be made by Thursday.

Chanu's absence will be a major set back for the Indian contingent.

In Commonwealth game 2018, she went on a record-smashing spree and smashed the Commonwealth and the Games record in a snatch, pulling off clean lifts in all her three attempts (80kg, 84kg and 86kg).

Reigning CWG gold medalist, Chanu also clinched in the World Championships earlier this year.