Ahmedabad to Host Senior Weightlifting World Championships in 2029
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has been selected to host the 2029 Senior Weightlifting World Championships, marking the first time India will organise this major international weightlifting event. The announcement was made by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) following its executive board meeting in Ningbo, China.
The decision is an important development for Indian weightlifting and the country’s efforts to host more international sporting events. The championship will bring together weightlifters from different countries to compete for world titles and showcase their skills on a global stage.
During its latest meeting, the IWF selected host cities for two consecutive editions of the Senior World Championships. Ahmedabad was chosen for the 2029 event, while Moscow, the capital of Russia, was selected to host the 2030 edition.
The federation also announced the host cities for two other international competitions in 2028. Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, will host the World Youth Championships, while Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, will stage the World Junior Championships.
IWF General Secretary José Quiñones welcomed the selected bids and expressed confidence in the countries organising the events. He noted that India, Kosovo and Venezuela would be hosting these respective championships for the first time. The selections reflect the federation’s efforts to expand the sport’s reach and provide more countries with opportunities to organise major international competitions.
Hosting the Senior World Championships could give India an opportunity to showcase its sporting facilities, event management capabilities and arrangements for international athletes. The competition is also expected to attract coaches, officials, sports administrators and spectators from around the world.
For Ahmedabad, the event would add to a growing list of major sporting competitions planned for the city. Ahmedabad is already preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which are expected to bring athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete in multiple sports.
The city has also been discussed as a possible venue for the 2036 Olympic Games if India secures the right to host the event. However, India’s Olympic hosting plans remain subject to the international selection process, and Ahmedabad’s role would depend on the final arrangements.
India’s selection for the 2029 weightlifting championship could help increase interest in the sport among young athletes. Hosting an international competition can also provide local weightlifters with an opportunity to compete in front of home crowds and learn from athletes representing different countries.
The event may also create opportunities for tourism, hospitality and other local businesses as international teams and visitors travel to Ahmedabad. Its overall impact will depend on preparations, visitor numbers and the arrangements made by the organisers.
With the 2029 championship now awarded to Ahmedabad, attention will gradually turn towards planning the event, preparing the necessary facilities and ensuring that athletes and officials receive suitable arrangements.
The announcement marks a significant moment for Indian weightlifting and adds another international sporting event to Ahmedabad’s future calendar. It also highlights India’s growing involvement in hosting global sports competitions.