Gujarat Minister Jayaram Gamit declared that the state is rapidly becoming a premier sports destination in India, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Gandhinagar on Tuesday. He highlighted the tournament’s international stature, with over 178 athletes from 30 countries participating.
“More than 178 athletes from 30 countries across the world are participating in this event. Gujarat is becoming the sports hub of India,” Gamit told reporters.
India is hosting the continental weightlifting championships for just the second time, with New Delhi having previously hosted the 1982 Asian Championships.
Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu will miss the tournament as she continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during the national championships in February. Young lifter Komal Kohar will step in to represent India in the women’s 48kg category.
International Weightlifting Federation President Mohammed Hasan Jalood praised India’s organization of the event, expressing satisfaction with the high standards. “I am happy to see India organising this event on such a high level,” Jalood told ANI.
A 16-member Indian contingent, featuring eight men and eight women, will compete at the championship, which runs until May 17.
Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026: India squad
Women: Komal Kohar (48kg Group A), Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg Group A), Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam (58kg Group A), Seram Nirupama Devi (63kg Group A), Harjinder Kaur (69kg Group A), Sanjana (77kg Group A), Vanshita Verma (86kg Group A), Martina Devi Maibam (86kg+ Group A)
Men: Rishikanta Singh Chanambam (60kg Group A), Raja Muthupandi (65kg Group A), Ajith Narayana (71kg Group A), Valluri Ajaya Babu (79kg Group A), Bedabrat Bharali (79kg Group A), Abhishek Suresh Nipane (88kg Group B), Harcharan Singh (110kg Group B), Lovepreet Singh (110kg+ Group A).
