Moscow will host the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships, the first global Olympic sport championship in Russia since the Ukraine war began. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed the decision on Sunday, four months after announcing Russian and Belarusian athletes could return to IWF events. The IWF noted that the 2029 Worlds will be held in Ahmedabad, India.
IWF General Secretary Jose Quinones said all bids were strong and praised the host nations' capacity. He added that three of the four bidders—Kosovo, Venezuela and India—will stage an IWF world event for the first time, showing the sport's global growth. The IOC recently provisionally lifted its suspension on Russian athletes, potentially allowing participation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The ban began in 2023 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the 2025 World Athletics Championships moved from Kazan to Singapore. Only neutral Russian athletes may compete at summer Games, with the flag and anthem banned. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the move ensures athletes can compete without being held responsible for government actions, while the IOC will not host events in Russia or invite officials.
The IPC allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics, and the IWF will permit all Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete from June 2026.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing