The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) announced on Wednesday that it will implement new bodyweight categories at the upcoming 9th National Youth Games (NYG), scheduled to take place in Asaba, Delta State.

The Youth Games, which will take place from August 29th through September 6th, will feature over 30 sporting events, including Weightlifting.

In a statement by the Federation’s Media Officer, Amaechi Agbo, the NWF notified all coaches, state associations, stakeholders, and officials that it will adopt the newly approved weight categories ratified by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

The Federation specified that all athletes taking part in the weightlifting events at the NYG must adhere to the new categories.

It said, “A total of six bodyweight categories comprising three each for men and women will feature in the weightlifting event at the NYG Asaba 2025.

“The new bodyweight categories for men are: 56kg, 60kg and 65kg. The new bodyweight categories for women are: 44kg, 48kg and 53kg.”

It is worth recalling that the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) began implementing the new bodyweight categories for senior, junior, and youth athletes on June 1, 2025, as ratified by the Executive Board.

These changes include eight classifications for both men and women in senior and junior divisions, and for youth, there are eight categories for both boys and girls.

A breakdown of the new categories includes: “Senior & Junior – Men: 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, 79kg, 88kg, 98kg, 110kg, +110kg. Women: 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, +86kg

“Youth – Men: 56kg, 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, 79kg, 88kg, 98kg, +98kg. Women: 44kg, 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg, 69kg, 77kg, +77kg.”

36 States of the Federation, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, are expected to participate in the weightlifting event at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.