Mizoram’s sporting prodigy Jeremy Lalrinnunga, who became the first-ever Indian to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games last year, on Sunday said he is fulfilling his father’s dream by representing India in various senior weightlifting competitions. The 17-year-old’s father was a junior boxing champion, but unfortunately, he couldn’t go on to represent India.
“My father has been the biggest inspiration in my career. He has backed me fully since the time I decided to take up weightlifting. He was a boxer so he has shared all his experience of being a sportsperson with me. He was a junior champion, but unfortunately, he didn’t go on to play for India and therefore I am fulfilling his dream,” Jeremy said.
Recently, Jeremy went on a record-breaking spree, claiming three world marks in a remarkable performance, on the way to a silver in the men’s 67kg category at the 6th Qatar International Cup in Doha.
He smashed his own Youth World and Asian record in snatch, clean and jerk and total lift with an effort of 306kg (140kg+166kg) to win the silver medal. Jeremy broke 27 records in total all under his name, combining national and international marks.
“I am preparing to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the moment. The last Olympic qualifying event will be held in April next year. I am training for that. I have won two silver medals in the 67kg category this year. I clinched the first one in the EGAT’s Cup International Weightlifting Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand and won the second one in the 6th Qatar International Cup in Doha,” the 17-year-old said.
Jeremy, who won gold in the first and second edition of the Khelo India Games, said the competition is like an international-level tournament. The Aizawl athlete competed in the 62kg and 67kg in the first and second editions respectively.
“The Khelo India Youth Games is a very good experience for young athletes. The competition is like an international-level tournament. It’s a very good competition. The Indian government and Sports Authority of
India are supporting all the upcoming athletes. With their continued support, India will win Olympic medals in the future,” the weightlifter said.
