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Gujarat Emerges as India's Sports Hub at Asian Weightlifting Championship Opening

Gujarat minister Jayaram Gamit declared the state is becoming a sports hub at the Asian Weightlifting Championship opening in Gandhinagar. Over 178 athletes from 30 countries are participating in the event, which India hosts for the second time since 1982. Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu is absent due to injury, with Komal Kohar stepping in for the women's 48kg category. A 16-member Indian contingent is competing in the championship running until May 17.

Key Points: Gujarat Sports Hub: Asian Weightlifting Championship

  • Gujarat hosts Asian Weightlifting Championship with 178 athletes from 30 countries
  • Minister Jayaram Gamit says state becoming sports hub
  • India hosts continental championship for second time after 1982
  • Mirabai Chanu absent due to injury; Komal Kohar replaces her
  • 16-member Indian squad competes until May 17
2 min read

"Gujarat is becoming sports hub of India": Jayaram Gamit at opening ceremony of Asian Weightlifting Championship

Gujarat minister Jayaram Gamit says state becoming sports hub as Asian Weightlifting Championship begins in Gandhinagar with 178 athletes from 30 nations.

"More than 178 athletes from 30 countries across the world are participating in this event. Gujarat is becoming the sports hub of India. - Jayaram Gamit"

Gandhinagar, May 12

At the opening ceremony of the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, Gujarat minister Jayaram Gamit highlighted the growing stature of the state in international sports, noting that over 178 athletes from 30 countries are participating in the tournament.

He added that Gujarat is steadily emerging as a major sporting hub in India by hosting prestigious global events and strengthening its sports infrastructure.

India is hosting the continental weightlifting championships for the second time. New Delhi was the host city for the 1982 Asian Championships.

"More than 178 athletes from 30 countries across the world are participating in this event. Gujarat is becoming the sports hub of India," Gamit told the reporters.

Mirabai Chanu, the 2020 Summer Olympics medallist, is not participating in the Asian Weightlifting Championship as she continues to recover from the shoulder injury she suffered during the national championships in February.

In her absence, promising youngster Komal Kohar will step in to represent India in the women's 48kg category.

President of the International Weightlifting Federation, Mohammed Hasan Jalood, praised India hosting the Asian Weightlifting Championship, expressing satisfaction with the high standards of organisation and the successful conduct of the event.

"I am happy to see India organising this event on such a high level," Jalood told ANI.

A 16-member Indian contingent, comprising eight men and eight women, will compete at the continental championship, which is set to run until May 17.

Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026: India squad: Women: Komal Kohar (48kg Group A), Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg Group A), Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam (58kg Group A), Seram Nirupama Devi (63kg Group A), Harjinder Kaur (69kg Group A), Sanjana (77kg Group A), Vanshita Verma (86kg Group A), Martina Devi Maibam (86kg+ Group A)

Men: Rishikanta Singh Chanambam (60kg Group A), Raja Muthupandi (65kg Group A), Ajith Narayana (71kg Group A), Valluri Ajaya Babu (79kg Group A), Bedabrat Bharali (79kg Group A), Abhishek Suresh Nipane (88kg Group B), Harcharan Singh (110kg Group B), Lovepreet Singh (110kg+ Group A).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sad to see Mirabai Chanu missing due to injury, but Komal Kohar is a promising talent. Hope she does well! The women's team looks strong this year 💪
M
Michael C
As someone who follows weightlifting internationally, I'm impressed with India's commitment to hosting such events. The IWF president's praise is well-deserved. Gujarat's infrastructure investment is paying off.
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Rohit P
Good initiative but I hope this isn't just a one-time event. We need consistent investment in grassroots sports, not just flashy tournaments. Let's see if Gujarat produces future Olympic medalists from these facilities.
J
Jessica F
Amazing to see 30 countries participating! Weightlifting is growing in Asia and India is positioning itself well. The 16-member squad looks promising. Wishing all the athletes the best! 🏋️‍♂️🏋️‍♀️
K
Kavya N
Being a Gujarati, I'm thrilled to see Gandhinagar hosting such a big event. The whole city feels energized! Hope all visitors enjoy our culture and hospitality. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
D
David E
Impressive organizational standards mentioned by the IWF president. India has come a long way in hosting international sports events. Now we need to ensure our athletes

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