[REVISION HISTORY]

IWF 2030 World Weightlifting Championships hosting

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2026-10-29 11:11 UTC → 2026-10-30 11:17 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has announced that Moscow, Russia, will host the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships. This event will serve as a qualification tournament for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. The decision marks the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine that an international federation for an Olympic sport has awarded a world championship hosting right to Russia. This follows the International Olympic Committee’s recent easing of restrictions on Russian athletes, which may allow them to compete in qualification events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Ukrainian sports officials have strongly condemned the move. Matviy Bidnyi, Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports, described the decision as “shameful” and “cynical,” arguing it is unacceptable to host international competitions in Russia during the ongoing war. He further characterized the move as an “unacceptable signal” and stated that Ukrainian athletes will not travel to Moscow. Ukraine has announced plans to file official complaints and appeals with both the IWF and the International Olympic Committee. International reactions have expanded beyond Ukraine. Stian Grimseth, president of the Norwegian Weightlifting Federation, expressed shock, stating that a country engaged in an invasion war should not host international championships and indicated Norway would likely refuse to send ~~athletes.~~ athletes, citing safety concerns. In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Sacharova welcomed the decision, stating that “sport should not be politicized” and noting that the move lifts both the ban on Russian athletes and the prohibition on hosting international competitions in the country.

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