Ahmedabad to host 2029 IWF World Weightlifting Championships, India beats Russia and Venezuela in bid

Ahmedabad has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championships, bringing another major international weightlifting event to Gujarat. The decision was taken by the IWF Executive Board at its meeting in Ningbo, China, on Sunday, according to the international federation.

India secured the hosting rights after competing against bids from Russia and Venezuela. The 2029 championship will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which India is scheduled to host.

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Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the development on X, highlighting the state's recent experience in hosting international weightlifting competitions. "Big news for India! Ahmedabad will host the 2029 IWF World Weightlifting Championships! After the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 and the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026, the world's best weightlifters are now coming to Gujarat," Sanghavi wrote.

Indian Weightlifting Federation president Sahdev Yadav also described the decision as a major development for the sport in India.

Ahmedabad to host another major International Weightlifting event

The 2029 IWF World Weightlifting Championships will add to Gujarat's recent record of hosting international weightlifting events.

Ahmedabad hosted the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, while Gujarat also staged the 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships. The continental competition was held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar from May 11 to 17, attracting athletes and officials from nearly 30 countries.

The decision to award Ahmedabad the 2029 event further strengthens India's presence on the international weightlifting calendar.

2029 World Championships to serve as Commonwealth Games Qualifier

The 2029 IWF World Weightlifting Championships will also have significance for athletes aiming to compete at the 2030 Commonwealth Games, as the event will serve as a qualifying competition.

India is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, making the 2029 championship an important event ahead of the multi-sport competition.

IWF announces hosts for other World Championships

The IWF Executive Board also confirmed the hosts for other upcoming World championships during its meeting in Ningbo.

Prishtina in Kosovo will host the 2028 World Youth Championships, while Caracas in Venezuela has been awarded the 2028 World Junior Championships. Moscow will host the senior World Weightlifting Championships in 2030.

IWF General Secretary Jose Quinones said the successful bids reflected the sport's growing international reach, noting that India, Kosovo and Venezuela would host IWF world events for the first time.