UAE to compete in Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

The UAE Weightlifting Federation announced the participation of the national team in the 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships scheduled to take place in Gandhinagar, India, from May 9-17.

In a statement, the federation confirmed that the delegation will depart on Saturday headed by Sheikha Al Kaabi, Board Member, alongside Rashid Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Board Member and administrative representative.

The team includes three male athletes and one female athlete: Moayad Al Najjar, Zahra Al Hashemi, Ezzaddine Al Ghafeer, and Isa Rajab Al Balushi.

Sheikha Al Kaabi confirmed that the national team has completed its preparations for the championship and is aiming for the best possible results following progressive preparation stages during the recent period.

She expressed strong confidence in the team’s athletes to take on the new continental challenge, demonstrate their advanced levels, achieve new records, and secure top positions in line with the team’s ambitions, especially as the championship represents an important stage ahead of the national team’s upcoming international commitments.

Recently, the Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) announced the official start list for the championships.

The field of 172 athletes is packed with Olympic and world champions, guaranteeing top-level competition throughout the weight categories.

The competition in Gandhinagar is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested events in recent years.

With a verified entry list boasting an impressive lineup of the sport’s elite, fans can expect a thrilling showcase of strength, technique, and strategy on the platform.

The roster reads like a “who’s who” of modern weightlifting, featuring multiple Olympic gold medallists and reigning World Champions. Among them is Liu Huanhua of China, the Paris 2024 Olympic Champion and 2023 World Champion, who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s premier talents. Competing alongside him is Fares Ibrahim El-Bakh of Qatar, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion, whose powerful lifts continue to set the standard in his category.

The women’s competition promises equally intense battles. Park Hye-jeong of South Korea, the 2025 World Champion and Paris 2024 Silver Medallist, will be looking to maintain her dominance on the international stage. Adding to the excitement are the North Korean powerhouses, Kang Hyon Gyong (53kg) and Ri Suk (63kg), both 2025 World Champions, who are expected to bring unmatched precision and intensity to the platform.

In the heavyweight division, Gor Minasyan of Bahrain, a Paris 2024 Olympic medallist, is a standout contender, ready to showcase his extraordinary strength against a field of top competitors. Returning champions Liao Guifang (CHN) and Chen Guan-ling (TPE), both decorated World Champions, will also be vying for the podium, adding further depth and intrigue to an already stacked lineup.

In addition to the action on the lifting platform, the AWF will hold two major administrative meetings to discuss the governance and future of the sport including Executive Board Meeting and AWF Congress.

In the Executive Board Meeting the officials will review hosting bids for the December 2026 Electoral Congress. Four nations are currently competing for the honour: Iran, Maldives, Qatar, and Singapore.

During AWF Congress, the delegations from across Asia will meet to discuss the strategic roadmap for the 2028 Olympic Games, focusing on technical rules and strict anti-doping protocols.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) has confirmed that the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre is fully prepared to host the athletes.

All technical equipment and facilities are in place to meet international standards.

The AWF expressed its gratitude to the participating national teams for completing their registration and verification on time, ensuring a smooth start to the tournament.