Gujarat Hosts Asian Weightlifting Championship with Global Participation

The Asian Weightlifting Championship has commenced in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, showcasing over 178 athletes from 30 nations. Gujarat's minister Jayaram Gamit highlighted the state's growing reputation as a sports hub in India. Notably, Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu is absent due to injury, with young talent Komal Kohar stepping in for the women's 48kg category. The event, praised for its organization by the International Weightlifting Federation president, runs until May 17, featuring a strong Indian contingent. Discover more about the athletes and the significance of this championship in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 02:21 IST

Asian Weightlifting Championship Kicks Off in Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 12: During the inaugural ceremony of the Asian Weightlifting Championship held in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, Gujarat's minister Jayaram Gamit emphasized the state's rising prominence in the realm of international sports. He noted that the tournament has attracted over 178 athletes from 30 different nations.

Gamit remarked that Gujarat is progressively establishing itself as a key sports hub in India by hosting significant global events and enhancing its sports facilities.

This marks the second occasion India is hosting the continental weightlifting championships, with New Delhi previously serving as the venue for the 1982 Asian Championships.

“With more than 178 athletes from 30 countries participating, Gujarat is on its way to becoming the sports capital of India,” Gamit stated to the media.

Notably, Mirabai Chanu, who earned a medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, will not be competing in this championship as she is still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the national championships in February.

In her absence, the talented young athlete Komal Kohar will represent India in the women's 48kg category.

Mohammed Hasan Jalood, the President of the International Weightlifting Federation, commended India for hosting the Asian Weightlifting Championship, expressing his approval of the event's high organizational standards and successful execution.

“I am pleased to see India organizing this event at such a high level,” Jalood remarked.

A contingent of 16 Indian athletes, consisting of eight men and eight women, will compete in the continental championship, which is scheduled to continue until May 17.

India's squad for the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 includes: Women: Komal Kohar (48kg Group A), Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg Group A), Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam (58kg Group A), Seram Nirupama Devi (63kg Group A), Harjinder Kaur (69kg Group A), Sanjana (77kg Group A), Vanshita Verma (86kg Group A), Martina Devi Maibam (86kg+ Group A).

Men: Rishikanta Singh Chanambam (60kg Group A), Raja Muthupandi (65kg Group A), Ajith Narayana (71kg Group A), Valluri Ajaya Babu (79kg Group A), Bedabrat Bharali (79kg Group A), Abhishek Suresh Nipane (88kg Group B), Harcharan Singh (110kg Group B), Lovepreet Singh (110kg+ Group A).