India to Host Senior Weightlifting World Championships 2029 for the First Time

India will host the Senior Weightlifting World Championships for the first time in 2029. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) gave the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) the hosting rights on October 25, 2026. The decision came at an Executive Board meeting in Ningbo, China.

Ahmedabad to Host Senior Weightlifting World Championships in 2029

Ahmedabad in Gujarat has been chosen as the host city. This will be the first senior world championship held in India.

Why Did India Get the Hosting Rights of Senior Weightlifting World Championships 2029?

India’s recent record as a host helped its case:

• 2025 Commonwealth Championships: Senior, Junior and Youth events were held at the Naranpura Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, from August 24 to 30.
• 2026 Asian Championships: The senior men’s and women’s events were held in Gandhinagar from May 11 to 17.

IWLF president Sahdev Yadav said these two events convinced the world body that India can run a world-level championship.

Link with the 2030 Commonwealth Games

The 2029 Worlds will also be a qualifier for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which Ahmedabad is set to host. Yadav said home advantage could help more Indian lifters qualify.

Other Upcoming IWF Events

• 2028 World Youth Championships: Prishtina, Kosovo
• 2028 World Junior Championships: Caracas, Venezuela
• 2030 Senior World Championships: Moscow, Russia

India, Kosovo and Venezuela will host an IWF world event for the first time. IWF general secretary Jose Quinones said this shows the sport is growing across the world.

Which Country Will Host the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships?

China is hosting the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships.

• Host City: Ningbo
• Venue: Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre
• Dates: October 27 to November 8, 2026
• Significance: It is the first qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Six Indian lifters, including Mirabai Chanu, will compete in this event.