Singapore to host 2021 Commonwealth Championships

The Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation have announced that Singapore will host the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.

The competition is a qualifier for 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games with the highest placed athlete in each eligible group gaining direct qualification.   

It will feature medal categories for Senior, Junior and Youth athletes and take place in October. The exact date has yet to be confirmed.

Speaking about the announcement BWL CEO Ashley Metcalfe said “We would like to congratulate Singapore on being awarded the 2021 Commonwealth Championships. I have no doubt that they will put on a fantastic event.

“Unfortunately, this means that England misses out which is hugely disappointing and a missed opportunity to promote and develop the sport further in the Northern Hemisphere and build continuity towards a home games in Birmingham next year.

“Our Championships bid was based on the previous precedent of home nations being used in preparation for a full games the following year as was the case most recently at the Gold Coast in 2017-2018. We felt that we put forward a strong and competitive case, although we understand that there are various factors that impact these decisions, some of which are beyond our control.

“However, there is a silver lining to this announcement. British Weight Lifting will now focus all our efforts and resources into maximising our existing competition programmes and we will work our hardest to ensure that all of our events are delivered to the highest standards.

“The 2021 and 2022 British Senior Championships are eligible for the Commonwealth Rankings so there will still be opportunities for home nations athletes to qualify on home soil.”