Let us look at how athletes can qualify for the LA Olympics in Weightlifting.

You can check LA 2028 programme here.

You can check the qualification process for other Sports here.

Weightlifting at the LA 2028 Olympics

Where will Weightlifting take place?

Weightlifting events will happen at the Peacock Theatre.

Dates for Competition:

25-29th July 2028

Events in Weightlifting at the LA Olympics: There will be 12 medal events – 6 in Men & 6 in Women.

Number of Quota Places:

A total of 120 athletes will compete in weightlifting at the LA 2028 Olympics. A nation can qualify a maximum of 1 athlete in a weight category subject to a maximum of 6/8 total athletes. In each weight category, only a maximum of athletes will compete.

How to Qualify:

In each weight category, 10 athletes will qualify.

Qualification quotas will be allocated based on Olympic Qualification rankings.

The Olympic qualification period will be between 27 July 2026 and 7 May 2028. Final ranking will be based on 5 best totals from the two periods (the best 3 totals from Period 1 and the 2 best totals from Period 2).

Period 1 will include 6 events: 2026 World Championships, 2026 IWF Qualifier 1, 2027 IWF Qualifier 2, 2027 Continental Championships, 2027 IWF Qualifier 3, 2027 World Championships.

Period 2 will include 4 events: 2027 World Qualifier 4, 2028 World Qualifier 5, 2028 Continental Championships, and 2028 World Championships.

Quota allocation:

1. The top 8 ranked athletes in each weight class, post completion of the qualification period, will get a quota.
2. Continental Quotas: Then a total of 12 quotas (6 men & 6 women) will be allocated to ensure continental representation in each weight category. If continental representation is already completed, this quota will be reallocated.
3. Host Country Quota – USA, as the host country, is assured 6 quotas (3 Male and 3 Female).
4. Universality Places: 6 universality places (3 Male and 3 female) will be allocated basis nations that are eligible for this.

Indian Athletes’ Chance of Qualification:

Basis current world rankings and recent performance, India may not get a quota. Mirabai Chanu is from the 48kg category, and unfortunately, that weight category has been merged with the 53 kg weight category. So, she will now have to compete in the 53 kg category. This diminishes her qualification prospects.

Indian Olympic Medalists in Weightlifting:

India has won a total of 2 Olympic medals in Weightlifting – 1 Silver and 1 Bronze.

2000 Sydney Olympics – Karnam Malleswari (Bronze)
2020 Tokyo Olympics – Mirabai Chanu (Silver)

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