RIYADH — The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has announced choosing Riyadh to host the IWF Senior World Championships qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics between September 2 and 17, 2023, with the participation of more than 1,500 athletes representing 130 countries.

The tournament is the largest organized by the IWF since its establishment in 1895, and is the first tournament in the sport's history to be made compulsory. Failure to participate in the tournament means losing the opportunity to be at the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed appreciation for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and His Royal Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the support and interest they attach to the sports sector, which contributed to making the Kingdom of among top countries at the sports level.

The prince stressed that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this championship is evidence of the confidence of the international sporting community in the country's ability to host the biggest competitions.

"Hosting this championship is in line with the objectives of the sports sector within the Saudi Vision 2030, which promotes and increases the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s opportunities to host the biggest and most important global events," he said, noting that it is an opportunity for Saudi athletes to acquire experience, increase sporting contact and win eligible cards for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Men athletes compete in weights: (55 kilograms (kg), 61kg qualifying for Olympics, 67kg, 73kg qualifying, 81kg, 89kg qualifying, 96kg, 102kg qualifying, +102kg qualifying, 109kg, and +109kg), while women athletes compete in weights: (45kg, 49kg qualifying for Olympics, 55kg, 59kg qualifying, 64kg, 71kg qualifying, 76kg qualifying, 81kg qualifying, +81kg qualifying, 87kg, and +87kg qualifying). — SPA