Today, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced that the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships will be reallocated from its original location, Penang, Malaysia, to Anaheim, California.

During the planning process, Penang faced logistical challenges that ultimately required the city to withdraw from organizing the event.

"We are saddened that Penang will not be able to host the 2017 IWF World Championships. The people of Penang and Malaysia are always so welcoming to our athletes," IWF president Dr. Tamás Aján said in the organization's press release. "We are grateful that Anaheim stepped in to host the world's biggest weightlifting competition of 2017."

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The championships will run from November 28 to December 5 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

"It is an honor to welcome the 2017 IWF World Championships to the United States," USA Weightlifting CEO Phil Andrews said in the press release. "We thank the IWF Executive Board for their trust in hosting the sport's biggest event of 2017. We look forward to working with our partners at the IWF and Visit Anaheim to hold a great event for the athletes."

The United States last hosted the IWF World Championships in 2015 in Houston.