Thaindian News

By Bharat Sharma
New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) After a bronze at Manchester and a silver in Melbourne, weightlifter Christine Girard is desperate to win gold at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games. She feels her toughest challengers will be from India.

Girard,25, who ended up fourth in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, believes she has matured as an athlete and Delhi is her best chance of winning the elusive gold, though she is making her first appearance in the 69kg category.

“I won both my Commonwealth medals in the 63kg category. Since I am competing in higher weight this time, I expect a much tougher competition,” Girard told IANS Saturday.

On the Indian lifters, she said: “They are strong, the home support will also work in their favour. I expect a decent spectator turnout which is always encouraging for the athletes.”

Girard’s hunger for a medal comes after her forgettable show in the world championships in Turkey two months ago when she finished seventh.

“I did not perform to my potential in the world championships and was really disappointed. I want to get back to winning ways,” she said.

The Canadian is confident of good showing in the Delhi Games and is happy with the facilities at the venue and the Games Village.

“The facilities here are great. All the equipment is fairly new. I also like the environment of the Village. It looks beautiful in the evening,” Girard said.