GANDHINAGAR, India – The Organizing Committee of the 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships has officially announced the postponement of the event, with new dates confirmed for 9 to 17 May 2026 in Gandhinagar, India.
The Championships were initially scheduled to take place in April 2026. However, following consultations with the Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the decision was made to reschedule the competition in light of the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The matter was formally discussed during a high-level virtual meeting held on 10 March 2026, attended by representatives of the IWF, AWF, and the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) Organizing Committee.
According to information presented during the meeting, more than 60% of AWF Member Federations indicated significant challenges in traveling to India under the present circumstances. Furthermore, several participating nations reported that they would only be able to send reduced delegations, in some cases limited to just one to five athletes.
Officials emphasized that the decision to postpone the Championships was taken to ensure fair competition conditions and to preserve the prestige, inclusivity, and integrity of the Asian Senior Championships.
“The decision has been made in the best interest of all stakeholders and the weightlifting community,” said Dr. Sahdev Yadav, President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation and Head of the Organizing Committee.
The Organizing Committee expressed its sincere appreciation to the leadership of the AWF and IWF for their close cooperation and understanding throughout the decision-making process.
With the revised dates, the organizers aim to facilitate broader participation and provide optimal conditions for athletes, officials, and delegations from across Asia.
The Organizing Committee reaffirmed its full commitment to delivering a successful and high-quality edition of the Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships and extended its wishes for safety, stability, and well-being across all participating nations.
