Overview
- The IWF confirmed 12 Olympic events for Los Angeles 2028 and set the women’s categories at 53kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and +86kg, removing 49kg from the Games.
- The new Olympic bodyweight classes will apply to all IWF competitions from August 1, 2026, with 49kg remaining available at select IWF meets until then.
- The categories were proposed by the IWF Technical Committee, provisionally approved by the Executive Board in Forde, Norway, and ratified by the Athletes Commission.
- India’s national coach Vijay Sharma called the move up beneficial for Chanu, noting that cutting to 48/49kg was extremely taxing and outlining a gradual two-year shift to 53kg after the Asian Games.
- Observers say the higher entry class could aid India’s depth, highlighting youth 53kg world record holder Koyel Bar, who totaled 192kg at the Commonwealth Championships.