Chinese Lifters Aim to Learn from Rivals at Weightlifting WorldsChinese lifters would have no more aim than to learn from their rivals at the World Weightlifting Championships which begin Saturday in Antalya.Liu Wenxiong, chief-de-mission of the Chinese delegation, said upon arrival Friday that China has sent a team of novices for the championships, which will be held from November 3 through to 11. The Chinese weightlifting association was forced to make the second choice of the lifters for the championships because of the schedule conflict between the event and the National Games. "All top lifters have chosen to take part in the national games," said Liu. "It is more important for them to win glory for their respective home provinces." With second string team in Antalya, the Chinese team head coach Yang Hanxiong could not be more ambitious than to steal a medal of any hue in the event. "Winning a silver or a bronze would be a good achievement for us this time," said Yang, who has coached two-time Olympic champion Zhan Xugang. China has sent four men's lifters to take part in three categories -- one in 58kg, one in 69kg and two in 62kg. Compared with their male colleagues, the Chinese women lifters may have a better chance in Antalya. However, Zhang Wenxi, coach of the Chinese women's team, is still very cautious for the upcoming championships. "I cannot tell what weight my girls could lift at the championship now. After I have watched our rivals' training, I may give you an answer," he said. |
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