Junior weightlifting championships find new host over visa issues for Belarusians, Russians
12:01, 9 January
The European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) has relocated the European Junior & U23 Weightlifting Championships from Poland because of problems with issuing visas to Belarusian and Russian athletes, BelTA learned from the EWF press service.
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The forum for weightlifters under 23, which was scheduled to take place in Lublin, Poland in 2026, had to be relocated due to the host country's inability to provide guarantees for the visa issuance of athletes from Belarus and Russia.
“EWF has reaffirmed its firm and consistent position that sport must remain outside politics. The federation stands for equal opportunities and unity in sport and does not accept discrimination on political grounds, especially at a time when global tensions in this area are increasing. EWF is committed to protecting athletes’ rights to fair participation in competitions and ensuring that weightlifting remains a platform of universal respect and solidarity,” the European Weightlifting Federation said in a statement.
Instead of Poland, Albania will host the Junior & U23 Weightlifting Championships in autumn 2026.
