The 2017 weightlifting world championships has been moved from Malaysia to Anaheim, California, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) said.

The decision comes after hosts Penang “encountered difficulties” and withdrew from organising the event, the federation said.

It will be the second consecutive time the United States has hosted the world championships, following Houston in 2015.

The championships will take place between Nov 28 and Dec 5 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

- dpa