Gandhinagar to host Asian Senior Weightlifting Championship 2026

Gandhinagar is set to host the prestigious Asian Senior Weightlifting Championship 2026 at the Mahatma Mandir from May 11 to 17, bringing together leading athletes and officials from across Asia.

Organised by the Indian Weightlifting Federation, the week-long international event is expected to witness participation from nearly 200 elite weightlifters representing 31 countries.

Around 200 coaches and team managers, along with 50 international technical officials, are also expected to attend the championship.

The competition will feature several top-ranked athletes, including Olympic medal winners and World Championship medallists, making it one of the biggest sporting events hosted by Gujarat in recent years.

Officials said the tournament will also serve as a qualifying event for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, adding further importance to the championship. India has been awarded hosting rights for the event for the fourth time, following earlier editions held in Pune, Greater Noida and Ahmedabad.

The inaugural ceremony is scheduled to be held on May 12 at Mahatma Mandir in the presence of Gujarat ministers and senior officials. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Minister of State for Sports Jairam Gamit are expected to attend the event.

Senior representatives from the international weightlifting community, including Mohammed Hasan Jalood, President of the International Weightlifting Federation, and Mohammed Bin Yousef Al Mana, President of the Asian federation, are also likely to participate in the opening ceremony.