The Japanese city will be expected to welcome around 230 athletes from 35 countries from September 8 to 12.

It will mark the first time a major powerlifting championships has been held in the country and will come just two years before Japan is due stage the Paralympic Games.

“We are delighted that the Japanese public will have the opportunity to see these incredible athletes compete on their doorstep before Tokyo 2020,” said Xavier Gonzalez, IPC chief executive.

“We also hope it will give powerlifters a taste of what they can expect from competing in the wonderful, vibrant culture of Japan.

“I would like to thank the organisers, the Japanese Para-Powerlifting Federation, for their bid to host the Asian Open Championships and I am confident that we will have a great competition.”

Almaty staged the 2015 edition of the IPC Powerlifting Asian Open Championships, with 205 athletes competing in Kazakhstan.

The Kitakyushu Performing Arts Centre will be the venue for the competition.

“The city of Kitakyushu is located in the south of Japan and is said to be the gate to Asia,” said Susumu Yoshida, President of Kitakyushu 2018.

“We think Kitakyushu is an ideal place to have the 2018 IPC Powerlifting Asian Open Championships.

“We at the Japanese Para-Powerlifting Federation together with the city government of Kitakyushu will welcome all the IPC Powerlifting officials and athletes.

“We think that everyone who attends this Championship will be able to enjoy the hospitality and culture of Japan and Kitakyushu.”

The 2018 Americas Open has already been awarded to Cartagena in Colombia, while the 2017 World Championships are due to take place in Mexico City.