Kazakhstan Emerging as Front-Runner to Host 2028 Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Kazakhstan Likely to Host Qualifying Tournament for Weightlifting at 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is emerging as a strong contender to host the licensing qualifying tournament in weightlifting for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This announcement came from International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) President Mohammed Hasan Jalood during his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Jan. 17 in Astana.
The meeting, which was also attended by Mohamed Yousef Al Mana, president of the Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF), highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant contributions to the sport of weightlifting. President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to the officials for their efforts in strengthening cooperation and development in the field of weightlifting in Kazakhstan, noting the sport’s paramount importance for the country.
Jalood, who has been serving as IWF President since 2022, commended the outstanding performance of Kazakh athletes at the World Weightlifting Championships in Bahrain held in December. Mohamed Yousef Al Mana also praised the high level of the Kazakh school of weightlifting and highlighted the potential for Astana and Almaty to become a regional weightlifting hub for Central Asian countries.
In 2017, Los Angeles was selected as the host city for the 2028 Olympic Games, marking its third time hosting the prestigious event after the 1932 and 1984 editions. The LA28 Games are set to feature over 3,000 hours of live sports, encompassing 800 events across more than 40 disciplines. Los Angeles is preparing to welcome 15,000 athletes competing in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As preparations for the 2028 Olympics continue, Kazakhstan’s role in hosting the qualifying tournament for weightlifting underscores the country’s commitment to fostering the growth and excellence of the sport on a global stage.
