The 2026 IWF World Championships got off to a spectacular start in Ningbo. Took Minni`s photo here, only because I love this photo.
The opening day delivered exactly what weightlifting fans hoped for: dramatic battles, medal fights, surprises, heartbreak, and yet another chapter in the growing rivalry between China and North Korea. The Women's 49kg and Men's 60kg A Groups produced some of the most exciting lifting of the day, with both nations collecting world titles and showing why they remain the dominant forces in international weightlifting.
One thing already seems clear: China has arrived in Ningbo determined to defend its position at the top of world weightlifting. Competing at home, the Chinese team looks exceptionally prepared and ready for a week-long battle against a powerful North Korean squad.
For Team Finland, the day brought mixed emotions.
Sonja Koponen's World Championships unfortunately ended without a total. After a solid 69kg snatch, she was unable to register a successful clean & jerk. Sonja later shared on her social media that issues with her SI joint began affecting her during the clean & jerks, making it impossible to complete the lifts needed for a total.
Even so, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate what Sonja achieved simply by standing on that platform. Competing at the World Championships is an extraordinary accomplishment in itself, and representing Finland on the world's biggest stage remains something very few athletes ever experience.
Meanwhile, here at FygsterMedia, our coverage is only getting started.
We will continue publishing live reports from Ningbo every day throughout the championships, covering as many sessions, groups, medal battles, and storylines as possible. Naturally, Team Finland's performances will remain a major focus, but we also want to bring readers the biggest international stories from the competition floor.
And if you haven't already, you can now watch the second part of our World Championships preview series on YouTube.
In the episode, I am joined again by Finnish weightlifting athlete and professional coach Miika Antti-Roiko, whose years of experience following and coaching in the sport bring a perspective few others can offer. Together we look ahead to the men's 75kg and 85kg categories, discuss the return of Rahmat Abdullah, examine some of the biggest medal contenders, and highlight athletes fans should keep a close eye on during the championships.
Part three, featuring discussion around Janette Ylisoini and Minni Hormavirta, is expected to be published early next week.
Watch the video, leave a comment, and let us know your predictions for the rest of the championships.
If you enjoy our coverage, don't forget to like the video and subscribe to support independent weightlifting media.
Follow our daily live report: https://www.fygstermedia.com/3425864_team-finland-live-report-2026-iwf-world-championships-ningbo
The World Championships are only just getting started.
Tytti Fygster
The Pulse of Finnish Weightlifting.
Documenting Finnish Weightlifting.
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