The 2025 IWF World Championships, set for November 22–30 in Førde, Norway, are shaping up to be a defining moment for weightlifting. This year, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has slashed the number of weight categories from 10 to 8, effective June 1, 2025 — a change that’s already stirring debate among athletes and fans alike.
The reduction in categories — now five for men (61kg, 73kg, 89kg, 102kg, +102kg) and three for women (49kg, 64kg, 81kg) — aims to streamline the sport for future Olympic inclusion, but it’s not without controversy. As seen at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the heaviest men’s division saw Georgia’s Lasha Talakhadze dominate, the new structure might favor versatile lifters who can adapt to broader weight classes. Talakhadze, a three-time Olympic champion, is expected to compete in the +102kg category, where he’ll face stiff competition from China’s Liu Huanhua, who beat Tokyo champ Akbar Djuraev in a reclassified division last year.
The category changes mean some athletes will need to bulk up or cut weight to fit the new divisions, a challenge that could reshape the field. For example, lifters previously in the 96kg class (now merged into 89kg or 102kg) might struggle with the jump, potentially giving an edge to those with better weight management. This shift could also open doors for new talent — think lifters like Uzbekistan’s Djuraev, who’ll need to adjust but has the technical skill to thrive.
Førde’s event will feature the snatch and clean-and-jerk, with totals determining the podium. Talakhadze’s world record total of 492 kilograms (225kg snatch, 267kg clean-and-jerk) is the benchmark, but the new categories might shake things up. On the women’s side, China’s Li Wenwen, who competed in the 81+kg at Paris 2024, is a favorite in the 81kg class, though she’ll need to watch for emerging talents from Europe, like Armenia’s stars from the 2023 European Championships.
For weightlifters at home, the lesson from Førde is adaptability. Training for the new categories means focusing on mobility and explosive power — think snatch pulls and front squats to build the speed needed for heavier lifts. A pro tip: incorporate Olympic lifting complexes (e.g., a snatch followed by a hang snatch) to improve technique under fatigue, a must for competition.
As Førde approaches, the weightlifting world is watching. Will the new categories crown new champions, or will veterans like Talakhadze continue their reign? One thing’s for sure: 2025 is a turning point for the sport.
Sources:
Yahoo News, August 10, 2024
Olympics.com, April 24, 2023