New Delhi, Sept 23: With an Athens Olympic berth at stake, weightlifter Karnam Malleswari may have to skip the Afro-Asian Games to prepare for the World Championship in Vancover, Canada in November. "The final decision about taking part in the Afro-Asian Games will be taken by the weightlifting federation. But since the games and the world championship have very little time in between, it is difficult to participate in both," the Sydney Olympics bronze medallist told reporters.

Malleswari, who is one of the five Olympic Ratna's identified for sponsorship by Samsung, said since the World Championship is an qualifying event for the Athens Olympics it would be her priority. The Afro Asian Games will be held in Hyderabad from October 24 to November 1.

Malleswari said the federation was also thinking of appointing a foreign coach and a foreign doctor for the Indian team.

Bureau Report