IWF delegation visits Ningbo (CHN), site of the 2026 IWF Worlds

This week, an IWF delegation including President Mohammed Jalood, General Secretary José Quiñones and Executive Board member Matthew Curtain, was in Ningbo (CHN) for a visit to the Olympic Sports Center, the venue of the upcoming IWF World Championships to be held in October 2026.

During the visit, various functional areas of the venue were inspected, including the competition and warm-up areas, utility rooms, and spectator seating. The Organising Committee of the IWF showcase also reported on plans related to hospitality, transportation, and accommodation.

From left to right: Matthew Curtain (IWF EB Member), Mohammed Jalood (IWF President), Zhan Xugang (China Weightlifting Association President), and José Quiñones (IWF General Secretary)

After the visit, Mr. Jalood expressed his satisfaction with the status of the preparation: “Ningbo has demonstrated outstanding capabilities in venue facilities, hospitality arrangements, and event organisation. I am fully confident in the successful hosting of the 2026 IWF World Championships!”

Visiting the venue of the 2026 IWF World Championships 

The IWF President also praised China’s outstanding performance in our sport: “Weightlifting has always been a traditional strength in this country. There are many Olympic weightlifting champions from China. And the Chinese government has always strongly supported weightlifting. I sincerely hope that China can achieve good results not only in weightlifting, but also in other sports at the 2028 Olympics.”

IWF General Secretary José Quiñones reflected on his experience attending last year’s National Games in China: “I participated in the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games, and I was particularly impressed. It felt just like an Olympic Opening Ceremony. Therefore, I am confident that China will also host an outstanding 2026 IWF World Championships!”

The IWF delegation with Mr Xu Qiang, Vice Mayor of People’s Government of Ningbo Municipality

IWF Executive Board Member Matthew Curtain also said the 15th National Games in China demonstrated China’s outstanding ability in hosting sports events. Therefore, he expressed his “full confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm” concerning a successful staging of the 2026 IWF World Championships.

The IWF flagship event is the first qualifying event for the weightlifting competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and is expected to attract athletes from nearly 120 countries and regions worldwide.

Ningbo successfully hosted the 2019 Asian Weightlifting Championships and has organised numerous high-level international events in recent years, possessing extensive experience in event management.

During its visit to China, the IWF delegation had also the opportunity to meet Mr Xu Qiang, Vice Mayor of People’s Government of Ningbo Municipality, and was also introduced to the new China Weightlifting Association President, Mr Zhan Xugang, Olympic gold medallist in 1996 and 2000.