INDIA WINS BID TO HOST 2029 IWF SENIOR WORLD WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS DESPITE STIFF COMPETITION
Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, to Host the Prestigious Global Event
India has won the prestigious bid to host the 2029 IWF Senior World Weightlifting Championships, with Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar, Gujarat, selected as the host destination. India emerged as the preferred host ahead of Russia and Venezuela in the final round at the IWF Executive Board Meeting held in Ningbo, China, on 25 October 2026. The 2029 World Championships will also be one of the qualifier events for 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The Indian bid was presented by Dr. Sahdev Yadav, President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF), accompanied by Mrs. Sabina Yadav, Joint Secretary, IWLF in the IWF Executive Board Meeting on 25 October 2026.
This landmark achievement reflects the visionary leadership of Dr. Sahdev Yadav and his sustained efforts to elevate Indian weightlifting on the international stage. The successful organisation of five international weightlifting events in India over the past 11 years has demonstrated the Indian Weightlifting Federation’s capabilities in technical conduct, logistics, event management and hospitality, strengthening confidence in India’s ability to host a championship of this magnitude.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable support, assistance, and cooperation extended by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India; Sports Authority of India; Government of Gujarat; and Sports Authority of Gujarat.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation places on record its sincere appreciation for the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) for its proactive initiative and pivotal role in initiating and facilitating the process for securing the hosting rights of the 2029 IWF Senior World Weightlifting Championships in Gujarat, India. The Federation acknowledges the SAG’s valuable institutional support and commitment towards advancing India’s Weightlifting stature as a preferred destination for major international sporting events.
Hosting this prestigious championship for the first time in India will bring the world’s leading weightlifters and international sporting fraternity to Gujarat, showcase India’s organisational excellence, inspire young athletes, and further strengthen India’s position in global sports.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation is committed to working closely with the IWF and all stakeholders to deliver a world-class 2029 Senior World Weightlifting Championships, reflecting India’s sporting ambition, organisational strength and renowned hospitality.
Ashwani Kumar
Chief Executive Officer
INDIAN WEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATION
