India is gearing up to host the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar from May 11 to 17. This will mark the return of the prestigious continental event to India after more than four decades - to be precise, 44 years.
The event is coming to India at a time when Indian weightlifters are focusing on gaining momentum in order to secure qualification for the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, both scheduled to be held later this year.
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The Asian Championships will give Indian lifters a chance to test themselves against Asia's top names ahead of the Olympic qualification cycle, beginning on July 27, 2026 and ending on May 7, 2028.
The event, originally scheduled for April 1-10, was postponed due to the US-Israel war against Iran, which resulted in large-scale tension in the Middle East.
180 weightlifters from 30 countries, including guest countries Australia and New Zealand, will participate in this year's event. Lifters will aim to put up solid performances as CWG and Asian Games qualification is at stake.
Among the biggest names set to compete at the Championships is Liu Huanhua of China, the reigning Olympic champion and the 2023 world champion. Joining him will be Fares Ibrahim El-Bakh of Qatar, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion.
The women's field is equally strong. Park Hye-jeong, the 2025 world champion and the 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist, will lead South Korea’s charge, while North Korea arrives with formidable pedigree, with their world champions Kang Hyon Gyong and Ri Suk promising close competition at the event.
Among other notable entries are Paris Olympics medallist Gor Minasyan and decorated Chinese world champions Liao Guifang and Chen Guan-ling.
As always, China enters as the dominant force. At the 2025 edition held in Jiangshan, China, the Chinese contingent topped the medal standings with a staggering 31 gold medals, once again reinforcing their depth and technical supremacy.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
