Two quota places for Indian lifters at Olympics

Indian weightlifters earned two quota places for the London Olympics -- one each in the men's and women's sections -- from the Senior Asian Championships, which concluded at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on Monday.

India's women lifters collected 93 points and placed fourth in the championships by virtue of which the country earned a berth in the London Olympics.

N Soniya Chanu was the best performer among the seven Indian women who participated in the event, winning a bronze in 48kg category.

The men's team of eight lifters collected 134 points and placed fifth in the championships, which also gave India a quota place at the Games.

This is the first Olympic quota place India earned in men's weightlifting after a gap of 12 years since the 2000 Sydney Games.

Thandava Murthy Muthu competed in the men's 56kg in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and finished 16th with a total lift of 245kg.

Indian Weightlifting Federation secretary general Sahdev Yadav said the selection committee will meet shortly to pick the two lifters who will take part in the July 27-August 12 London Olympics.