Malleswari says weightlifter Mirabai best in her category

Former Olympic medallist weightlifter Karnam Malleswari Thursday heaped praise on Mirabai Chanu and expressed hope the Manipuri athlete would do well at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Malleswari said Chanu is the best weightlifter in her category.

Chanu had won gold in the 48-kg category at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia.

"Comparison between Mirabai Chanu and me is not possible since we both were in different weight categories. Performance-wise, she is the best in her category.

"Recently she performed really well in the Commonwealth Games, winning gold and after 24 years, and she became the world champion after me.

"So there is no doubt that she has done well. I pray to God that she does well and is fit for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics," Malleswari told reporters here.

Malleswari, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic individual medal, spoke on the sidelines of The Times of India Global Sports and Business Show here.

The former weightlifter, ...