As the world’s elite weightlifters prepare to converge in Ningbo, China, the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) has assembled a powerful 31-member squad (15 Men, 16 Women) for the 2026 IWF World Weightlifting Championships.
Headlined by Olympic icon Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and Commonwealth Games stalwarts, Team India enters the championship aiming for podium finishes across multiple weight categories.
Women’s Squad: Olympic & Commonwealth Stars Lead the Charge
India’s women’s team presents a blend of legendary prowess and high-potential newcomers:
- 49 kg: Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu Saikhom anchors the group with an entry total of 195 kg, joined by Komal Kohar (182 kg).
- 53 kg: Gyaneshwari Yadav (185 kg) and Koyel Bar (184 kg) represent India in this category.
- 57 kg: Commonwealth medalist Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam (198 kg) leads alongside Usha Usha (196 kg).
- 61 kg: Nirupama Devi Seram (211 kg) and Ditimoni Sonowal (197 kg).
- 69 kg: Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Harjinder Kaur (212 kg) and Sanapathi Pallavi (198 kg).
- 77 kg: Sanjana (210 kg) and Komal Khan (197 kg).
- 86 kg: Usha S R (200 kg) and Tamana (199 kg).
- +86 kg: Super-heavyweight contender Martina Devi Maibam (239 kg) and Purnima Pandey (207 kg).
Men’s Squad: Heavy Hitters Target Global Glory
The men’s division boasts impressive strength across lighter, middleweight, and super-heavyweight brackets:
- 60 kg: Commonwealth Games medalist Guraraja (259 kg) leads alongside Rishikanta Singh Chanambam (256 kg).
- 65 kg: Muthupandi Raja (295 kg) and Charu Pesi (286 kg).
- 70 kg: Yash Vinod Khandagale (309 kg) and Thirumurugan Madhavan (307 kg).
- 75 kg: Bedabrat Bharali (319 kg) and Valluri Ajaya Babu (317 kg).
- 85 kg: Abhishek Suresh Nipane (320 kg) and Ravi Sankar Godlaveeti (312 kg).
- 95 kg: Parv Chaudhary (323 kg), Harshit Sehrawat (320 kg), with Dilbag Singh (320 kg) named as reserve.
- 110 kg: Manish (334 kg).
- +110 kg: Commonwealth medalist Lovepreet Singh posts India’s highest entry total at 380 kg, alongside Kesav Bessa (352 kg).
Tournament Schedule & What’s Next
The marquee international event will take place at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center from October 27 through November 8, 2026. All entries remain subject to final eligibility validation by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and International Testing Agency (ITA).