IWF event in Riyadh is qualifier for 2024 Olympics 1,500 athletes from 130 countries expected Riyadh: The International Weightlifting Federation has announced it has chosen Riyadh to host its senior world championships between Sept. 2 and 17, 2023, that would serve as a qualification event for the Paris 2024 Olympics. For the latest updates, follow us on Twitter @ArabNewsSport A total of 1,500 athletes representing 130 countries are expected to participate in the IWF’s largest-ever contest since its formation in 1895. The tournament is compulsory for those wishing to compete in France the following year. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the Kingdom continued to show it could host some of the world’s biggest competitions. “Hosting this championship is in line with the objectives of the sports sector within the Saudi Vision 2030 (plan), which promotes and increases the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s opportunities to host the biggest and most important global events,” he said. He said it was an opportunity for Saudi athletes to gain experience, increase sporting contacts and ensure eligibility for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Male athletes compete in the following divisions: 55 kg, 61 kg (Olympic qualifying), 67 kg, 73 kg (qualifying), 81 kg, 89 kg (qualifying), 96 kg, 102 kg (qualifying), over 102 kg (qualifying), 109 kg, and over 109 kg. Female athletes compete in the following categories: 45 kg, 49 kg (qualifying), 55 kg, 59 kg (qualifying), 64 kg, 71 kg (qualifying), 76 kg (qualifying), 81 kg (qualifying), over 81 kg (qualifying), 87 kg, and over 87 kg (qualifying).