Russia to host weightlifting world championships, IWF decides

Russia will host the weightlifting world championships. The decision was made by the congress of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) in Ningbo, China. Alexander Vinokurov, head of the Russian federation, thanked the IWF for its trust.

The decision followed a step the federation took in June: it lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian weightlifters. They can now compete fully at international events, including the upcoming 2026 world championships in China — under their national flag and with their anthem. IWF leadership cites the decision of the International Olympic Committee, which this summer, after more than three years, lifted Russia's suspension and allowed its athletes to compete without restrictions for qualification to the 2028 Olympics.

Vinokurov wrote on Telegram that Russia has the experience and facilities to hold top-level competitions, and that Moscow has already hosted major sporting events and is proud of its modern infrastructure. In Russia the decision was called a major diplomatic success and the return of a major sporting event to the country. But the IWF's move has also caused strong international discontent, not only from Ukraine. The Latvian federation has already proposed boycotting the championships in Moscow for political reasons. The Czech position is not yet known.

Besides weightlifting, judo and swimming have allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes back into their competitions this year. The International Paralympic Committee has allowed them to take part in the winter Paralympics in Italy in March, and in January they will go to the Universiade in China. Athletics still maintains its suspension, as do biathlon, ice hockey and basketball.

Around Prague, based on reporting by sport.cz