(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
WASHINGTON — Moscow has been selected to host the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships, marking the first time a Russian city has been awarded a global championship in an Olympic sport since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced the decision Sunday, October 25, alongside its selection of Ahmedabad, India, as host of the 2029 championships.
IWF General Secretary Jose Quinones welcomed the successful bids and expressed confidence in both host cities.
“All the bids we received were excellent and we are sure that the championships in your respective countries will be a huge success,” Quinones said.
The selection of Moscow represents a significant development for Russian sports, which have faced international restrictions following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
The decision comes amid efforts to gradually restore Russia’s participation in international sporting competitions.
In July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, potentially paving the way for Russian athletes to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Moscow previously hosted the World Weightlifting Championships in 1983.
The 2030 tournament will mark the event’s return to the Russian capital after 47 years.
