India Set to Host Asian Weightlifting Championships After 44 Years

Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar

India is preparing to welcome the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar from May 11 to 17, marking the return of this esteemed continental event to the country after a gap of 44 years. This championship is particularly significant as Indian weightlifters aim to build momentum for qualifying for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, which are set to take place later this year.

The Asian Championships will serve as a crucial platform for Indian lifters to compete against the best in Asia ahead of the Olympic qualification cycle that begins on July 27, 2026, and concludes on May 7, 2028. Initially scheduled for April 1-10, the event was postponed due to geopolitical tensions arising from the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

This year, 180 weightlifters from 30 nations, including guest participants from Australia and New Zealand, will compete. The stakes are high as athletes strive for qualification for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Among the prominent competitors is Liu Huanhua from China, the reigning Olympic and 2023 world champion. He will be joined by Qatar's Fares Ibrahim El-Bakh, the champion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The women's competition is equally fierce, featuring South Korea's Park Hye-jeong, the 2025 world champion and 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist, alongside North Korea's world champions Kang Hyon Gyong and Ri Suk.

China is expected to dominate once again, having topped the medal tally at the last championships in Jiangshan with an impressive 31 gold medals. Other strong contenders include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and North Korea.

Host India's Aspirations

After a disappointing performance in the previous edition, India is hopeful for a better outcome on home soil. At the last championships, only two Indian lifters, Nirupama Devi and Dilbag Singh, participated, and neither secured a podium finish. Unfortunately, star weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics, will miss this event due to injury, marking her second consecutive absence from the championships.

This time, India enters the competition with renewed energy and a robust squad, featuring 16 members, which is the largest alongside China and Sri Lanka. Competing at home is expected to provide Indian weightlifters with a significant advantage.

Key Indian Weightlifters to Watch

Bindyarani Devi - A consistent performer, Bindyarani has earned silver medals at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships. Competing at home may give her the emotional boost needed to aim for a podium finish.

Ajith Narayana - Emerging as a strong medal contender, Ajith has demonstrated technical skill and composure. He secured gold in the 71kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in August 2025, making him a key player in the men's competition.

Nirupama Devi - After a disappointing outing in Jiangshan, Nirupama returns with a chance for redemption. Competing on home turf could help her regain confidence against top Asian competitors.

Lovepreet Singh - Known for his strong domestic performances, Lovepreet aims to make a mark on the international stage after finishing eighth in the men’s 110kg+ category at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025.

Bedabarat Bharali - A promising talent from Assam, Bedabarat has already made headlines by winning multiple national records. Competing alongside Olympic champions could provide invaluable experience for his future.

Competition Format

The championships will feature eight weight categories for both men and women:

Men’s categories: 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, 79kg, 88kg, 98kg, 110kg, +110kg

Women’s categories: 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, +86kg

Competitors will participate in both snatch and clean & jerk events.

India's Squad for the Championships

Women: Komal Kohar – 48kg, Gyaneshwari Yadav – 53kg, Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam – 58kg, Nirupama Devi Seram – 63kg, Harjinder Kaur – 69kg, Sanjana – 77kg, Vanshita Verma – 86kg, Martina Devi Maibam – +86kg

Men: Rishikanta Singh Chanambam – 60kg, Raja Muthupandi – 65kg, Ajith Narayana – 71kg, Bedabrat Bharali – 79kg, Abhishek Suresh Nippane – 88kg, Parv Choudhary – 94kg, Harcharan Singh – 110kg, Lovepreet Singh – +110kg

Event Schedule

May 10 – AWF Congress and Opening Ceremony

May 11 to 17 – Competition Days

Where to Watch

The championships will be broadcast live on DD Sports, Prasar Bharati Sports, WavesOTT, and the Weightlifting House channel.