IWF Publishes Start Book Ahead of Opening of 2021 IWF World Championships and Commonwealth Championships
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has published its Start Book ahead of the opening of the 2021 IWF World Championships in Tashkent. The flagship event, which will take place from 7-17 December 2021 in the Uzbek capital, will gather the world’s best male and female athletes.
Tashkent will concurrently host the Commonwealth Championships, which is a qualifying event for next year’s Commonwealth Games. The competing athletes for the two events have been announced, alongside the groups of juries and referees and the technical officials. There will be 432 athletes (187 female, 245 male) from 74 countries participating in the World Championships.
COVID-19 countermeasures have been developed by the IWF, the local organising committee, and medical experts to ensure the World Championships and Commonwealth Championships can be held despite the ongoing challenges with the pandemic. Athletes unable to compete in the Commonwealth Championships will have the opportunity to secure qualification for the Commonwealth Games in early 2022.
IWF Interim President Dr Michael Irani said, “We’re delighted that the World Championships and Commonwealth Championships are able to go ahead in Tashkent, despite the challenges the pandemic continues to present. We are grateful to the Uzbek Weightlifting Federation for their collaboration, which is allowing us to finish the year on a high by giving athletes the opportunity to fulfil their dream. Together with the organising committee, we have developed COVID-19 countermeasures that will ensure the event is held in the safest possible environment. We are now looking forward to welcoming the world for what is set to be a thrilling few weeks of competition of the highest level!”