Gandhinagar, May 12 -- At the opening ceremony of the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, Gujarat minister Jayaram Gamit highlighted the growing stature of the state in international sports, noting that over 178 athletes from 30 countries are participating in the tournament.

He added that Gujarat is steadily emerging as a major sporting hub in India by hosting prestigious global events and strengthening its sports infrastructure.

India is hosting the continental weightlifting championships for the second time. New Delhi was the host city for the 1982 Asian Championships.

"More than 178 athletes from 30 countries across the world are participating in this event. Gujarat is becoming the sports hub of India," Gamit...