India will welcome the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, beginning today—marking the first time the country has hosted the event in 44 years. The competition is scheduled to run through the 17th of this month.
Approximately 180 athletes from 28 nations are set to compete in one of Asia’s premier weightlifting events of the year. The championship also serves as a key qualification opportunity for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
India, China, and Sri Lanka will field the largest delegations, each with 16 lifters, while Chinese Taipei will bring 15 participants. Leading the Indian squad are experienced athletes including Bindyarani Devi, Ajith Narayana, Nirupama Devi, Lovepreet Singh, and Bedabarat Bharali.
Olympic silver medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu will miss the championship due to an injury. Competing on home ground, India aims to deliver a stronger performance following a disappointing result at the previous edition in Jiangshan, China.
