First Day of FISU Weightlifting Championships Sees Competition in Four Categories

Doha, September 08, 2026 : Competitions in four weight categories were held on the opening day of the 10th FISU World University Weightlifting Championship Doha 2026, hosted at Education City through September 12, with 116 male and female athletes representing 21 countries taking part in a global university sporting event that reflects Qatar's growing presence on the international championship-hosting landscape.

Four Weight Categories Contested on Opening Day

Competition on the opening day was intense across the four weight categories held at the Education City Student Center, comprising the women's 49kg and 53kg categories and the men's 60kg and 65kg categories.

Huang Yi-Chen Sweeps Gold in Women's 49kg

In the women's 49kg category, Chinese Taipei's Huang Yi-Chen swept all three gold medals, winning the snatch with 84kg, the clean and jerk with 100kg, and the overall title with a total of 184kg. Spain's Marta Garcia Rincon claimed all three silver medals, lifting 79kg in the snatch and 90kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 169kg, while compatriot Celia Riuos Villamor took all three bronze medals with lifts of 71kg and 81kg for a total of 152kg.

Speaking after the medal ceremony, Huang said she was proud to have achieved the result despite a prior injury, crediting determination and perseverance for helping her reach the top of the podium. She also praised the atmosphere of the competition and the hospitality shown to participating delegations, describing the people of Qatar as friendly and sharing similar values to those cherished in Chinese Taipei.

Ting-I Cheng Claims Clean Sweep in Women's 53kg

In the women's 53kg category, Chinese Taipei's Ting-I Cheng swept all three gold medals, winning the snatch with 87kg, the clean and jerk with 108kg, and the overall title with a total of 195kg. Romania's Adriana Cosmina Pana won silver in the snatch and overall total with 78kg and 174kg respectively, while Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Chia-Yin claimed silver in the clean and jerk with 99kg. Spain's Salma Ben Lahsan took bronze in the snatch and total with 77kg and 172kg, while Poland's Oliwia Drzazga earned bronze in the clean and jerk with 98kg.

Liyana Sweeps Men's 60kg Category

In the men's 60kg category, Sri Lanka's Avindu Liyana claimed all three gold medals, lifting 105kg in the snatch and 132kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 237kg. Spain's Oscar Gomez Martinez took all three silver medals with 101kg and 127kg for a total of 228kg, while Chinese Taipei's Tang Chun-Yen earned all three bronze medals with 100kg and 127kg for a total of 227kg.

Mixed Results in Men's 65kg Category

In the men's 65kg category, Azerbaijan's Tehran Mammadova won gold in the clean and jerk (159kg) and overall total (289kg), along with silver in the snatch (130kg). Moldova's Ion Badanev won gold in the snatch with 132kg, along with silver in the clean and jerk (156kg) and overall total (288kg). Sri Lanka's Nipun Thennakoon Mudiyanselage swept all three bronze medals, lifting 100kg in the snatch and 120kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 220kg.

Competition Continues Wednesday

The championship continues Wednesday with competition in four new weight categories: the women's 57kg and 61kg categories and the men's 70kg and 75kg categories.

Qatar's Athletes Set to Compete Later in Championship

As for Qatar's participation, weightlifter Nader Bakr will begin his campaign in the men's 95kg category on Friday, while Wissal Yakhlaf will compete in the women's over-86kg category on Saturday.

21 Countries Represented at Global Event

The championship has attracted university teams from 21 countries: Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, Spain, Finland, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Iraq, Korea, Moldova, Poland, Puerto Rico, host nation Qatar, Romania, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Chinese Taipei, and the United States.

16 Weight Categories Featured Overall

The FISU World University Weightlifting Championship Doha 2026 features competition across 16 weight categories in total — eight for men (60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and over 110kg) and eight for women (49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and over 86kg).

Second World Championship Hosted by QCSF

The championship marks the second world championship organized by the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation since its official establishment in 2023, following its successful hosting of the FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball — reflecting the Federation's growing international presence and its vision of strengthening Qatar's position on the global university sports landscape.

Source: QNA