Nepal Weightlifting Association (NWA) expects to clinch at least a gold medal in the championship, where 45 gold medals will be on offer in 15 different weight categories.[break]
According to NWA General Secretary Partha Sarathi Sen Gupta, Nepal expects at least a gold medal along with silver and bronze medals. Weightlifting has fetched the most number of medals for the country in the history of South Asian Games but only one gold medal.
Eight male and equal numbers of female weightlifters are participating in the tournament.
Meanwhile, people of Nepalgunj city and national players are excited that the city could host the first edition of the South Asian Weightlifting.
Though NWA has barred weightlifters of Nepal Army to participate in the championship for pulling out from the Sixth National Games, some of them are already in Nepalgunj to watch the championship and to encourage their friends.
Participating Nepali weightlifters are also excited about the championship. "We are excited to perform in front of home crowds in the South Asian Championship," Nepali weightlifter Raju KC said.
Other teams are also upbeat regarding the championship and are acclimatizing here. "I´m happy to visit Nepal to participate in the South Asian tournament. It´s moment of pride for all South Asians as Nepal took the initiation to kick off the regional tournament," said Mustaq Ahemad, the coach of Pakistan team.
The championship will conclude on Saturday.
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