IWF officials visit the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Ningbo is preparing to host the 2026 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships, a competition the federation says will set a benchmark for the entire Olympic cycle leading to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

IWF President Mohammed Jalood, Secretary General Jose Quinones, and Executive Board Member Matthew Curtain visited Ningbo Olympic Sports Center on Jan 28 to inspect preparations. After the tour, Jalood praised the city's venues, reception capacity, and organizational experience.

The 2026 championships, scheduled for October, will be the first Olympic qualifying event for weightlifting ahead of Los Angeles 2028 and are expected to attract athletes from more than 100 countries and regions. The event will also debut newly adjusted weight categories under the new Olympic cycle, posing fresh challenges for lifters worldwide.

IWF officials emphasized the importance of close cooperation with China, a traditional powerhouse in weightlifting. Quinones said Ningbo's professional teams and modern facilities give him confidence that the championships will become a model Olympic qualifier. Curtain added that the city's strong track record in hosting major sporting events demonstrates its readiness.

Ningbo previously hosted the Asian Weightlifting Championships in 2019 and has staged multiple top-tier international competitions in recent years. With preparations entering the final optimization phase, organizers aim to deliver a high-standard, world-class sporting event that showcases both competitive excellence and the city's growing global profile.