7th FISU World University Championship Weightlifting concludes in Doha

The 7th FISU World University Championship Weightlifting was held in Doha, Qatar, from 8 to 12 September 2026, under the International University Sports Federation (FISU). The event took place at the Education City Student Center and brought together 112 athletes from 21 countries competing across all eight IWF bodyweight categories.

The championship was organised by the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation. The opening ceremony was attended by FISU Executive Board member Marko Zunic, Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation Chairman Dr. Al Nuaimi, and IWF President Mohamed Jaloud, who personally presented the first medals of the championship.

The 2026 edition marked a historic milestone for Qatari weightlifting: it was the first time Qatar hosted a FISU World University Championship, and the first time a Qatari athlete won a FISU medal. Ouisal Ikhlef claimed gold in the women's +86 kg category.

At the close of competition, the best teams and athletes were recognised. In the women's team standings, Chinese Taipei finished first, followed by Korea, Spain, Hungary, Puerto Rico and Poland. In the men's team standings, Korea took first place, ahead of Moldova, Sri Lanka, the United States, Chinese Taipei and Poland. Yi-Chen Huang (Chinese Taipei) was named Best Women's Athlete, while George Upmeyer (USA) received the Best Men's Athlete award.

At the conclusion of the championship, Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation Secretary General Rashid Saed Mohammed handed the FISU flag to FISU representative Sarita Santiago, marking the symbolic transition to the next edition. The next FISU World University Championship Weightlifting is scheduled to take place in Tirana, Albania, in 2028.