With 61 medals in international competitions under herbelt, veteran weightlifter N. Kunjarani Devi has a burning desire to fulfil inher career spanning nearly two decades -- to win an Olympic medal.
"The preparations are good. If God is with me, Iwill surely bring a medal for India," the 38-year-old Manipuri lifter saidat the Sports Authority of India's South Centre in Bangalore.
Athens is her first Olympic appearance and sheobviously wants to make the most of it with chief coach Pal Singh Sandhu and theBelarussian coach Leonid Taranenko egging her on.
Both believe she is a medal prospect.
Kunjarani said she was looking forward to herparticipation in Athens and had done everything that was possible, in terms ofpractice and training.
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"Winning a medal depends on luck", a cautiousKunjarani hastened to add. "I am working for gold like anybody else in thecompetition. I will give my best performance."
For "Kunju" as she is known to her friends, performance was not linkedto age so long as the competitor had the determination, courage, mental strengthand the fire in the belly to deliver, and firmly rejected suggestions that herage was a liability.
"Age is not a matter or factor," the lifter,who underwent knee operations twice, said categorically. "If the person hasthe courage, determination and is mentally strong, he or she can do everythingin life."
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To drive home the point, Kunjarani remarked she did notfind any difference when she started weightlifting in 1985 and now. "Idon't have such feelings (regarding her age). I am never thinking that I am notimproving. I have gained more experience over the years."
The veteran weightlifter said she had no plans to callit a day after the Olympics and could even go on for a few more years.
"I am not contemplating retirement after theOlympics. If my body is fit, I will go on for another two to four years,"informed the diminutive lifter.
PTI
