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IWF Sets LA 2028 Weightlifting Classes, Drops Women’s 49kg for New 53kg Floor

The changes take effect August 1, 2026 across IWF events, prompting athletes to reassess plans for the next Olympic cycle.

Overview

  • The IWF confirmed 12 Olympic divisions for Los Angeles 2028: men at 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and +110kg, and women at 53kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and +86kg.
  • The women’s 49kg class used at Paris is not on the LA 2028 programme, though 49kg will continue to feature at key IWF competitions.
  • The categories were developed by the IWF Technical Committee, provisionally approved by the Executive Board in Forde, Norway, and ratified by the Athletes Commission.
  • Mirabai Chanu’s camp says her immediate focus is the Asian Games next year, with any decision on moving to 53kg to follow that event.
  • Indian officials see potential in the new 53kg class, noting youth world record holder Koyel Bar as a prospect for longer-term planning.