International Events

There are two levels of IPF Sanctioned International Competitions. The World Championship competitions are considered the most elite competitions in international powerlifting. All other competitions (regional or other), while also prestigious, provide additional opportunities for international representation. Consequently, there are different QTs in place for World Championship Events versus all other International Events.

Primary Selection for international teams will be given to applicants who achieve First Place at the corresponding National Championship Event and have met or exceeded the relevant minimum QT.

Should there be spaces on the team after all eligible Primary Selection Athletes have applied, additional places will be approved based on the Secondary Selection criteria until the team is full.

Athletes

To be eligible for selection, you must compete in our Nationals Series and achieve the Qualifying Total. Athletes will be selected based on performance. For further information, download and read our information sheets. 

• IPF Sanctioned Event Calendar - click here 
• APA International Team Eligibility and Selection Criteria - click here
• APA International Team Application Process - click here
• APA 2025 Qualifying Totals: click here (revised 21-March 2025)
• Review of the 2025 Qualifying totals released 21-March 2025 - click here
• Update to Selection Criteria for  2025 Asian African Pacific Powerlifting & Bench Press Championships (Classic & Equipped) - Sub-Junior, Junior, Masters and Equipped 3-Lift Only - click here

Coaches

APA-approved coaches are eligible to apply to the APA International Coaching Team. Coaching roles available include:

• Head Coach (HC): Oversees the coaching team, ensures lifters and coaches are on time and in the right place, and maintains focus on team placings and culture. May also perform platform coaching duties.

• Platform Coach (PC): The primary coach responsible during a lifter’s session—submits attempts, provides cues, and manages warm-up and platform execution.

• Assistant Platform Coach (APC): Supports the Platform Coach and athlete throughout the session, particularly in warm-ups and equipment changes.

Interested coaches may submit an application to join the international coaching team. All applications are reviewed by the Coaching Committee through an objective assessment process that considers eligibility, experience, qualifications, and alignment with APA’s values and team culture.

Coaches must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and uphold the standards outlined in the APA International Coaching Team Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) , which includes accreditation, conduct expectations, and post-event responsibilities.

Event Applications

Applications for 2025 international competitions will be by invitation only to athletes who have achieved the relevant Qualifying Total at the relevant qualifying event(s).