Moscow will host the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships, marking the first time an Olympic federation has staged a global event in Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) made the announcement on Sunday, four months after reinstating Russian athletes. This decision follows the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) provisional lifting of Russia's suspension in July, which could allow Russian athletes to compete for their country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The IWF also awarded the 2029 senior championship to Ahmedabad, India. IWF General Secretary Jose Quinones praised the bids as excellent, while Russian Weightlifting Federation President Aleksandr Vinokurov thanked the IWF for their trust. The event will serve as a qualifier for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
No Olympic sport world championship has been held in Russia since the war began; the 2025 World Aquatics Championships were moved from Kazan to Singapore. The IOC stated it would continue to avoid organizing events in Russia or inviting state officials. Ukrainian athletes competed as neutrals in Paris 2024 and Milan 2026.
Ukraine has appealed the IOC's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing