New Delhi, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed the decision to award Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the hosting rights for the 2029 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships, marking the first time the prestigious global competition will be held in India.
The International Weightlifting Federation confirmed Ahmedabad as the host city after its Executive Board took the decision on October 25 in Ningbo, China. The announcement adds another major international sporting event to India’s calendar and builds on Gujarat’s growing role in hosting prominent weightlifting competitions.
Earlier in 2026, Gandhinagar hosted the Asian Weightlifting Championships. Ahmedabad is also scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, making the 2029 World Championships another opportunity for India to welcome elite international athletes and fans.
Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha described the decision as a proud moment for Indian sport, saying the event would provide an opportunity for the country to welcome the global weightlifting community.
“The 2029 IWF World Championships coming to Amdavad is a proud moment for Indian sport and another opportunity for India to welcome the world. Indian weightlifting has given us remarkable champions, including Olympic medallist and world champion Mirabai Chanu, whose achievements have inspired so many across the country,” Usha said.
She added that hosting the world’s leading weightlifters would allow a new generation of Indians to watch them compete on home soil and could inspire more young people to take up the sport and aspire to compete at the highest level.
Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) President Sahdev Yadav called the decision an important milestone for the sport in the country.
“Hosting the IWF World Championships in India for the first time is an important milestone for Indian weightlifting. India has a proud history at the Championships, with 18 World Championship medals to their name, including three world titles,” Yadav said.
He said the 2029 edition would provide an opportunity to build on India’s achievements, strengthen weightlifting nationally and give Indian athletes the experience of competing in front of a home crowd.
Yadav added that the federation looked forward to welcoming the international weightlifting community to Ahmedabad for the championships.
FOLLOW NOW
