The new bodyweight categories of the LA 2028 Olympics have just been announced by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), and the change has caused both debate and disappointment.
The most discussed topic being the omission of Mirabai Chanu’s Category (49kg) in the Olympic list.
Mirabai Chanu Category (49kg) Dropped in the LA 2028 Olympics
In the new structure, there are 12 weightlifting events (six male and six female) in the LA 2028 Olympics compared to 10 events in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Although this has expanded, the 49kg category, which Mirabai Chanu was strong in, does not feature in the new list.
That is because the Olympic silver medalist of Tokyo 2020 in the 49kg category, Chanu of India, now has to compete in a heavier weight bracket in the event she wants to feature in the Games in 2028.
The new categories of women will be 53kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, and +86kg. This implies that Chanu will probably climb to the 53kg division to maintain the chance of making it to the LA 2028 Olympics.
According to the IWF, the categories were changed to meet the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding gender equality and participation. The changes would be effective as of August 1, 2026, and applicable to all the official competitions of IWF.
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What Does This Mean for Mirabai Chanu?
Mirabai Chanu’s category elimination is a big blow to Indian weightlifting. At 31, Chanu has competed in three successive Olympic Games, including Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 (silver), and Paris 2024 (fourth) now.
Her best personal record is still near 200kg total lift, but in order to compete with other athletes in the 53kg category, she will have to gain some more muscle tissue and enhance her level of strength. This is not going to be an easy task because lifters in the higher classifications usually have a natural weight advantage.
Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will compete in the 53kg weight category at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, as her 49kg class has been removed. The IOC’s new format expands weightlifting to 12 events, prompting the shift. National coach Vijay Sharma called the change… pic.twitter.com/ySquLom7iQ
— The Pioneer (@TheDailyPioneer) November 4, 2025
Nevertheless, Chanu still has a window of opportunity. Since the LA 2028 Olympics are in three years, she will be able to plan strategically after the Asian and Commonwealth Games in 2026.
It is also reported that her previous 49kg division may still be used in IWF events, which may allow her to slowly increase her weight division.
The new bodyweight categories of the LA 2028 Olympics are the following:
Men: 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg, +110kg
Women: 53kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, +86kg
These new categories aim for a more inclusive and balanced sport, but have also brought concerns about how it may leave behind old champions such as Chanu.
Mirabai Chanu May Move Up to 53kg to Qualify for LA 2028
Mirabai Chanu, the world and Olympic champion of India, is likely to be transferred to the 53kg category after the 2026 Asian Games because the IWF altered the Olympic weight classes.
Previously this year, she moved to the 48kg division following the 49kg one, where she had won silver in Tokyo 2020 and fourth in Paris 2024, and was eliminated as part of the Olympics. The 49kg category has been reintroduced to IWF events such as the World Championships, but cannot be found in LA 2028.
At 48kg, Chanu recently won the Commonwealth Championships in Ahmedabad and silver at the World Championships in Forde, Norway.
Chief national coach Vijay Sharma has said, “Now shedding an additional one kg weight is difficult for her. It would have been tough for her [to qualify for the Olympics in 48kg]. Moving up to 53kg will not be difficult. This has brightened her chances.”
Writer’s Take
This act of the IWF is like a two-sided sword. On the one hand, it is fantastic that the LA 2028 Olympics will feature more weightlifting competitions. On the other hand, it is difficult to digest the elimination of Mirabai Chanu’s Category, a section that gave Indian natives such pride.
There’s no doubt Chanu is determined and experienced enough to adapt, yet transitioning to a new, higher class might become a true ordeal of patience and discipline.
Mirabai is the only person who can make a comeback. The Los Angeles road can be more difficult, but her fighting spirit has never failed India in the past, and it will come good this time as well.
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