Doha, September 06 (QNA) - The Organizing Committee of the of the 2026 FISU World University Weightlifting Championship, Sunday, that all preparations have been completed for the 10th edition of the championship, which will take place in Doha from September 8 to 12, featuring around 116 athletes representing 21 countries.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Multaqa (Education City Student Center), attended by President of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, HE Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi; Secretary-General of the QCSF and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Rashid Saeed Adiba and Mr. Marko Zunic, a Member of the Executive Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) along with representatives of sponsors, partners and the media.

Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi said that hosting the championship reflects Qatar's commitment to supporting university sport and strengthening its presence on the international stage. He also praised the role of sponsors, partners and the media in supporting the event and promoting its message to audiences in Qatar and around the world.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee welcomed the participating delegations from around the world, stressing that the championship goes beyond sporting competition to celebrate the spirit of university sport and promote fair play, communication, understanding and friendship among young people from different cultures.

He noted that the championship reflects the core values of FISU, particularly excellence, teamwork, innovation, the Joy of sport and integrity. These values are closely aligned with the principles of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation and its commitment to serving and developing university sport.

For his part, Rashid Saeed Adiba, the QCSF Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, confirmed that Doha is fully ready to host the championship. He said preparations have been carried out through an integrated organizational system based on the highest international standards, providing athletes and delegations with an ideal environment combining technical excellence and organizational efficiency.

He explained that the 10th edition is being held under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), with the competition taking place at the Multaqa (Education City Student Center), while training sessions are being held at Ezdan Palace Hotel.

The participating countries are Qatar; Azerbaijan; Bulgaria; Canada; Denmark; Ecuador; Spain; Finland; Great Britain; Hungary; Ireland; Iraq; Korea; Moldova; Poland; Puerto Rico; Romania; Sri Lanka; Slovakia; Chinese Taipei; and the United States of America.

Adiba added that the competition will feature eight men's weight categories: 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and over 110kg, and eight women's categories: 49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and over 86kg, in the Snatch and Clean & Jerk events.

He noted that the championship is the second world event organized by the QCSF since its official launch in 2023, following the successful hosting of the FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball, reflecting the federation's growing presence on the international university sports scene and its vision to strengthen Qatar's position on the global university sports map.

He also highlighted the significance of Doha hosting this edition, as the championship returns to the international calendar after a hiatus dating back to 2018, with Doha providing the platform for its return to the global university sports scene.

The championship also features a distinctive Qatari identity through its mascot, (Rimal), which reflects Qatar's environment, authentic heritage and welcoming spirit towards visitors to Doha. The visual identity reflects the values of strength, balance and excellence inspired by weightlifting and Qatar's national identity.

At the conclusion of the press conference, the Organizing Committee welcomed all participating delegations and athletes, wishing them a pleasant stay, success in the competition and an outstanding sporting experience, as well as lasting memories of Qatar. (QNA)