The International Weightlifting Federation signs the agreement with the Chinese Weightlifting Association in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on April 28. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Ningbo has been selected as the host city for the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships, following the signing of an agreement between the International Weightlifting Federation and the Chinese Weightlifting Association on April 28. 

The signing ceremony, held in Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province, was attended by IWF President Mohammed Jallod, who conducted a thorough inspection of the event venues and accommodations. Jallod commended Ningbo for its rich cultural heritage, modern urban appeal, extensive event management expertise, and well-equipped sports infrastructure, highlighting that these qualities align perfectly with the rigorous standards for hosting the World Weightlifting Championships.

As the foremost competition in the world of weightlifting, the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships will also serve as the primary qualifying event for weightlifting at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This agreement marks the official commencement of preparations for the championships, which are expected to draw elite weightlifters from nearly 120 countries and regions to Ningbo as they compete for a chance to qualify for the upcoming Olympics.

Ningbo's successful bid to host the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships was announced at the IWF Executive Board meeting in Doha, Qatar on Dec 3, 2023. The Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, built in 2019 with a seating capacity of 10,000, will serve as the venue for the championships.

The city has a strong connection to weightlifting sports. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ningbo athlete Shi Zhiyong's victory in the men's 69kg weightlifting event marked a historic milestone for the city in Olympic gold medals. In the Tokyo Olympics, athletes from Ningbo secured five gold medals in shooting, weightlifting, swimming, and gymnastics, leading to the city being honored with the title "City of Olympic Champions" by the Chinese Olympic Committee.

Additionally, Ningbo has extensive experience in hosting major sporting events, having successfully organized the Asian Weightlifting Championships in April 2019.