Gandhinagar, May 12 (IANS) Gujarat is drawing international attention not only for its development but also for its growing presence in global sport, Minister of State for Sports, Jayram Gamit, said on Tuesday at the opening of the Asian Weightlifting Championship 2026 in Gandhinagar.​

The championship was inaugurated at Mahatma Mandir, with more than 400 athletes, technicians, and coaches from 29 Asian countries, including India, participating.​

Addressing the opening ceremony, Gamit said, “Gujarat is now being recognised globally not only for development but also for its expanding role in international sporting events.”​

He said hosting high-level competitions of this scale would be significant for both Indian and state athletes, as it would expose them to international standards and help strengthen their confidence and performance.​

“Such events would contribute to the long-term development of sporting talent in the country,” he said.​

Referring to national sports policy initiatives, he said that “under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Khelo Bharat’ programmes, Gujarat had developed world-class sports infrastructure”.​

He noted that the state currently operates 39 sports schools and centres of excellence at the district level, aimed at identifying talent at the grassroots and providing structured training.​

He further stated that a high-performance centre for athletes is planned in Gandhinagar and is expected to become operational by 2027.​

Gamit also referred to India’s upcoming international sporting calendar, saying, “Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, while the country is progressing towards its bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. The World Police and Fire Games scheduled for 2029 would further enhance Gujarat’s profile as a major sporting hub.”​

International Weightlifting Federation President Mohamed Hassan Jaloud said, “India’s successful organisation of the championship for athletes from 29 countries, despite global tensions, was commendable”.​

He further stated that the federation was ready to extend full support for similar international events in India and thanked the central government, the state government, the Asian Weightlifting Federation, and the Indian Weightlifting Federation for their cooperation.​

Asian Weightlifting Federation President Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mana said that the championship reflected unity among Asian nations, describing them as “a single sporting family”.​

He expressed appreciation for the organisation of the event and wished success to all athletes taking part.​

Indian Weightlifting Federation President Sahdev Yadav and Sabina Yadav welcomed participants and provided an overview of the championship during the ceremony.​

–IANS

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