Tokyo Olympics: Indian athletes who can still qualify for the Games

Judo

Sushila Devi Likmabam has almost secured her qualification for the Tokyo Olympics

Even though Sushila Devi Likmabam has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, a final confirmation is still awaited. Jasleen Saini, who competes in the 66kg event, can also qualify for the mega-event.

The JFI (Judo Federation of India) has sent two Judokas – Jasleen Saini (66kg) and Likmabam Sushila Devi - to the World Judo Championships, to be held from June 6-13.

Due to the pandemic situation, the governing body was against the idea of sending a big contingent for the event. Instead, the JFI sent the two of their best athletes who mathematically stand a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

As far as the probabilities are concerned, Jasleen can qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, even though Sushila will fly to Tokyo irrespective of her performance at the upcoming event. The duo will be accompanied by their coach Jiwan Sharma.

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Special mentions:

Golf

Each country is entitled to send a total of two golfers each in the men’s and women’s section. The top 15 ranked golfers will automatically qualify for the main event, with a maximum of two per event per country.

Following which, 60 golfers will be filled up based on the Olympic Golf ranking, provided the countries do not already have two golfers from a category in the top-15 list.

As per the existing rules, Aditi Ashok is on the course for qualification in the women’s category, while Uday Mane is likely to make the cut in the men’s event.

Tennis

Even though Sania Mirza is ranked 157th in the women’s doubles category, there’s a loophole which allows her to sneak into the Olympics. The Indian was ranked no.9 when she took a lay-off from the sport.

As per the WTA rules, players taking a leave for injuries or pregnancy can apply for a special ranking where the player would be selected on the basis of her previous rank.

The rule was introduced by the WTA during the lockdown, by virtue of which Sania is likely to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, along with her partner Ankita Raina.

Weightlifting

Even though Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in the women’s 49kg by virtue of her rankings, an official confirmation is yet to be received from the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation).