1,300 Weightlifters To Vie For Glory At National Championships In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting another big sporting event — IWLF National Weightlifting Championships for men and women from March 19-31.

Over 1300 athletes, support staff and technical officials from 30 states and UTs are expected to participate in the meet.

Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) in association with Odisha Weightlifting Association and support from Sports and Youth Services Department will conduct the event at Biju Patnaik Indoor Stadium, KIIT Deemed to be University in compliance with COVID protocol.

Competition will be held in 10 weight categories for Youth (boys & girls), Junior and Senior (men & women).

The Nationals will serve as qualifier for the 5th Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled to be held later this year. The championship will be considered to be selection trial for IWF Youth and Junior World Championships.

“Odisha has been hosting many international and national events and we are delighted to host this National Weightlifting Championship here in Bhubaneswar that will see a mass congregation of weightlifters across categories. Officials of Sports and Youth Services Department are working closely with Indian Weightlifting Federation and Odisha Weightlifting Association to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event. I wish everyone the very best for the championships and extend a warm welcome to all participating states,” said R. Vineel Krishna, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha government.

During the championship, IWF will be organizing referees’ exam for International Category I & II, and National Category I & II, on March 20.