News

The first Executive Board meeting and Congress of 2019 were held in Las Vegas, USA prior to the Youth World Championships, 5-8 March.

Executive Board Meeting

The Board agreed to launch an IWF Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 to strengthen the IWF’s position in the global sport environment and the Olympic Movement. Its elaboration will be preceded by a wide consultation with Member Federations and other members of the weightlifting family to achieve an athlete centred, sport focused concept.

The EB welcomed the IOC initiatiave of a Refugee team for Tokyo 2020. It set the task of outlining the concept of Refugee athlete.

The Executive Board also allocated upcoming IWF World Championships. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was appointed as the host of the 2021 Junior World Championships. This event will be of historic significance of more than one point of view: it will be the first World Championship and certainly the first to include women is Saud Arabia.  Tashkent, Uzbekistan – host of several recent World Championships – was voted as host of the 2021 IWF Youth World Championships.

With respect to Thailand’s multiple AAF’s and their potential consequences that seriously damage the integrity of the sport, Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWA) undertakes not to participate at any IWF events, including the Qualification Events and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.  The IWF Executive Board acknowledged TAWA’s undertaking.

TAWA still continues to fulfil its obligation and will deliver the organisation of the 2019 IWF World Championships despite the fact that no Thai athletes will be entitled to participate.

Congress

Congress delegates received reports of Committees and Executive Board.

A new member was entered into the Weightlifting Hall of Fame: Ing. Miguel Nino from Nicaragua was honoured for his lifetime devotion and contributions to weightlifting. His condition not permitting personal appearance, the recognition was taken over by his son.

Mr Jose Quinones, IWF Vice President and Chairman of the Development and Education Commission gave a report on the 2019 IWF Development Program and Olympic Solidarity.

The Financial Report was also presented to the Congress by Alain Siegrist and the delegates approved the KPMG Auditor’s Report for the year 2018 and the IWF Budget Status Report for 2019.

Finally, an election of Technical Committee Member was held to replace Mr Aleksandr Kurlovich, who passed away last April. From five candidates, Mr Pedro Sanchez (AUS) recieved the highest number of votes, 37 from a total of 59 countries present and voting.

Delegates received reports on the preparation of future events and three sponsors of the IWF, Eleiko, UESAKA and Rogue.