Announcing the decision on its website, the IWF said: “The Nepalese capital Kathmandu was preparing to host the 26th Women’s and 45th Men’s Asian Championships, for the first time from July 22 to 30, but the country has been struck by two devastating earthquakes in the space of three weeks.

“After the two huge earthquakes of 25 and 29 April, the Nepal Weightlifting Federation board officially decided to cancel the organization of the 26th Women’s and 45th Men’s Asian Championships.

“The whole nation as well as the Federation being in grief after these tragic events, the IWF assures the Nepal Weightlifting Federation about its help and support for the upcoming period.”

The statement had nothing to say on possible alternative venues.

As reported by insidethegames on Sunday (May 17), Malaysia and Thailand are considered the most likely nations to step into the breach, with the Championships moving either to Thailand’s Phuket or to Penang in Malaysia.

Penang staged the 2011 World Junior Championships and was last year chosen as host of the 2017 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships.

Malaysia is preparing to host the 128th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Kuala Lumpur at around the same time, from July 30 to August 3, raising the question of whether it might be tempted to include the capital in its plans, if it is ultimately called upon.

It has been suggested that Nepal might now be given next year’s Championships, to alleviate disappointment while allowing the country more time to recover from the devastation caused by the earthquakes.

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