Moscow awarded 2030 World Weightlifting Championships in first Olympic federation return

Moscow will host the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships, the International Weightlifting Federation announced Sunday — making it the first Olympic federation to award a global event to Russia since the country's invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

The IWF Executive Board decision follows the federation's move four months ago to restore Russian athletes' eligibility to compete in its events. In July, the International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, a step that potentially opens the way for Russian athletes to compete under their national flag at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The Russian Weightlifting Federation described itself as having "succeeded in bringing a top-level official competition back to the country" for the first time in many years. Federation president Aleksandr Vinokurov thanked the IWF for "their trust", noting the championships will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Moscow last held the World Weightlifting Championships in 1983. The 2025 World Aquatics Championships, originally awarded to Kazan, had been moved to Singapore following the invasion.

The IWF also awarded the 2029 senior world championships to Ahmedabad, India. IWF general secretary José Quiñones said all bids received were "excellent."

Ukraine filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport requesting that the IOC's decision to lift the Russian Olympic Committee's suspension be annulled. Five Ukrainian athletes are listed to compete at the 2026 IWF World Championships in Ningbo, China, scheduled from 27 October.