--- title: "Olympic and world medallists head to Ismailia, Egypt for the 2026 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championships; Commonwealth Games qualifier for Glasgow 2026" sdDatePublished: "2026-05-09T14:43:00Z" source: "https://www.olympics.com/en/news/2026-africa-senior-weightlifting-championships-schedule-and-stars-to-watch" topics: - name: "sport" identifier: "medtop:15000000" - name: "sport event" identifier: "medtop:20001108" - name: "sport achievement" identifier: "medtop:20001301" - name: "competition discipline" identifier: "medtop:20000822" - name: "weightlifting and powerlifting" identifier: "medtop:20001093" locations: - "United Kingdom" - "Egypt" - "Tunisia" - "Nigeria" - "Japan" - "Libya" - "France" - "Ismailia" --- Olympic and world medallists head to Ismailia, Egypt for the 2026 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championships; Commonwealth Games qualifier for Glasgow 2026 2026 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championships: Schedule and stars to watch 2026 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championships: Schedule and stars to watch Olympic and world medallists are among the leading stars heading to Ismailia for the continental championships. Here’s what to know, from the headline names including Sara Samir Ahmed, and the schedule. Some of Africa’s finest lifters will take centre stage as the2026 AfricanSeniorWeightliftingChampionshipshead to Ismailia, Egypt from May 12-16 with over 150 athletes from 30 countries listed on the entry list. The continental event has attracted medallists from the Olympics and world championships, who will engage in a week of intense competition. Here’s everything you need to know, and some of the strong men and women to watch out for across the 16 weight categories. The championships will also serve as a qualification event for theGlasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Relive the magic ❄️⛷️ Sign up free for full replays, highlights, and medal moments - anytime. Stars to watch at 2026 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championships in Ismailia Sara Samir Ahmed, one of Africa’s most decorated lifters, should in particular draw loud cheers from her home fans in the women’s 86kg class. A double world champion, she was the first woman from Egypt to win an Olympic medal (in any sport) with her bronze fromRio 2016, which she then surpassed with silver atParis 2024. The 79kg snatch world record holderMohamed Younes Abdelrahman, who continues to build on his junior success at the senior level, is another of Egypt's most gifted young lifters who will compete. Abdelrahman is the top pick for the men’s 88kg. In addition to the two-time African champion,Aymen Bachaof Tunisia is also a key player in the new generation of North African men's weightlifters. TheTokyo 2020Olympian proved his worth by winning the silver medal at the 2024 World Championships. He will compete in the 110kg category, the heaviest class for men. Mohammed Alzintani, the reigning African junior champion, is one of Libya's most exceptional young sporting talents. He has moved up to the senior level in the men's 71kg division. A powerhouse of Nigerian weightlifting,Rafiatu Lawal,returns to the African stage eyeing a fifth crown. The 2025 world silver medallist, who was fifth atParis 2024will aim to cement her status as one of the most consistent medal contenders in the women’s 58kg category. Weightlifting - The Review | Olympic Games Paris 2024 Don't miss this review and relive Weightlifting's best moments! 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships – Competition Schedule 18:00 - Women’s 48kg and 53kg categories 10:00 - Men’s 60kg and 65kg categories 12:00 - Women’s 58kg category 16:00 - Men’s 71kg category 18:00 - Women’s 63kg category 15:00 - Men’s 79kg category 17:00 - Women’s 69kg category 10:00 - Men’s 88kg category 13:00 - Women’s 77kg category 16:00 - Men’s 94kg category 10:00 - Women’s 86kg and +86kg categories 13:00 - Men’s 110kg and +110kg categories