The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), on Wednesday, announced that it will begin the implementation of new bodyweight categories at the ninth National Youth Games (NYG) scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State.

The Youth Games, which will hold from August 29 to September 6, will feature over 30 sporting events, including weightlifting.

In a statement by the Federation’s Media Officer, Amaechi Agbo, the NWF informed 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 directed that all athletes participating in the weightlifting events at the NYG must comply with the new categories.

According to the statement, “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.”

The Guardian recalls that the IWF began implementing the new bodyweight categories for senior, junior, and youth athletes from 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 include, 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.

The weightlifting event at the National Youth Games will feature the 36 States of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory.