The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Powerlifting has announced the addition of a World Cup to its competition calendar from 2022, as well as the next African Championships.

The two events will be held together from 22-29 March in Alexandria, Egypt and will be hosted by the Egyptian Blind Sports Federation.

The new IBSA Powerlifting World Cup was added in response to calls from member countries who wanted more regular competitions in addition to the World Championships already held. There were also calls for at least one regional Championships to take place every year. The competitions will provide more chances for athletes who do not meet the qualifying standards for Worlds to compete on a more regular basis.

Both the World Cup and African Championships will be held for men and women and will feature both powerlifting and bench press disciplines.

Medals will be awarded across junior, senior and master categories. The World Cup will feature an award for the best overall male and female lifter and trophies for the top three men’s and women’s teams.

The schedule for both competitions will be published after the final entry deadline on 8 February.

The World Cup joins regional Championships already held in Africa, Europe and the Americas, and the World Championships the last edition of which was held in Georgia in October 2021.