Archive from 2012

New Weightlifting Academy inaugurated in Baku

On the occasion of the IWF Grand Prix Baku International Cup, the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation inaugurated a brand new Weightlifting Academy. Besides an impressive competition venue, about 400 seats spectators area and accommodation for training camps, the building offers the possibility to hold theoretical courses. In the past years, the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation spent a lot of energy and invested a lot in the development and promotion of the sport. The venue meets the international standards, and is absolutely suitable to host major international

New IWF Grand Prix introduced in Baku, Azerbaijan

The IWF Grand Prix Baku International Cup 14-15 December 2012 was officially opened by Mr. Ismail Ismaylov, Deputy Minister and Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation Vice-President and Dr. Tamas Ajan, IWF President. Men’s 62kg bodyweight category: The favorite of the competition, Olympic Bronze Medallist HRISTOV Valentin (AZE) won three Gold Medals with a Total of 302kg - 6kg more than what he performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the 56kg. Silver Medal went to BAZARBAYEV Umurbek (TKM) who arrived 4th at the 2012 Asian Championships. The second lifter from Azerbaijan, SULEYMANOV Zulfugar won the Bronze Medal with bodyweight lifting 280kg; exactly the same as NAZIF Ferdi (BUL). Women’s 53kg bodyweight category: Another Olympic Bronze Medallist and European Champion in 2012, IOVU Cristina (MDA) managed to grab victory. She came out for her first attempts in the Snatch and in the Clean and Jerk with higher entry than the other competitors; securing her leading position. The Belorussian lifter CHYCHKAN Alena (BLR) won the Gold in the Clean and Jerk lifting 1kg more than IOVU. She won Silver in the Total. The Bronze Medal was awarded to COBAN Aysegul (TUR), European Junior Champion in

IWF Congress concludes in Baku

The IWF Congress on the Modification of the Constitution and the Technical and Competition Rules concluded today by with a unanimous approval of the Technical and Competition Rules by all 88 countries present. Along with the approval of the core documents of the International Federation the delegations received information on the London Olympic Games and were updated on the applicable provisions of the IWF Anti-Doping Policy. The Weightlifting Family is heading toward the next year with reinforced unity and a common will to work for the development of the

New Constitution and By-Laws unanimously approved by the IWF Congress

The International Weightlifting Federation is having its Congress for the Modification of the Constitution in Azerbaijan’s Capital. The hosts were congratulated and thanked for their great hospitality. Mr. Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sports; Mr. Ismail Ismaylov, Deputy Minister and Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation Vice-President received the IWF Award of Merit and Mr. Isgandar Askerov, Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation Executive Director was given the IWF Gold National Award. In the first day of this milestone-setting Congress in Baku, the IWF members deliberated and - at the end of a long day - unanimously approved the new Constitution and By-Laws of the Federation. Although the guiding principles and main objectives remain the same, a revamped, modern and fully Swiss law compliant Constitution provides for good governance, transparency and efficient management. Delegated from 88 Member Federations participated in a lively discussion of the document presented by Maitre Francois Carrard, one of the most recognized Legal Counsel in sport. The new Constitution will come into effect on 1 January 2013. The Congress continues tomorrow with the sport's Technical and Competition

The IWF Congress starts in two days

The IWF Congress for the Modification of the Constitution, Technical and Competition Rules will be held on 12-13 December 2012, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The International Weightlifting Federation and Mr. Jahangir Askerov, President of the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation are ready to welcome all delegations. About 200 representatives from round 100 member countries are expected to participate in the IWF Congress to be held in Azerbaijan's capital. The 5 star JW Marriott Hotel Absheron Baku will provide a worthy background and location to this very important

Visit of German Federation President Claus Umbach at the IWF President

On 5th December 2012, IWF President Dr. Tamás Aján received Mr. Claus Umbach, President of the German Weightlifting Federation (BVDG) for a discussion in Budapest. Mr. Umbach’s goal in asking for this meeting was to clear misunderstandings and seek to reestablish the good relations between the German Federation and the IWF. Regarding the BVDG’s open letter dated 4th October 2012 addressed to the IWF President and sent to all the National Federations, the signatory, Mr. Umbach said he was sorry and personally apologized for the statements made in the letter. Dr. Aján emphasized that he and the IWF had always considered the German Federation as an important feature in an international context. The BVDG President confirmed his support to the IWF’s objectives and expressed his appreciation towards its anti-doping activities and initiatives. The prospects of a fruitful co-operation between the IWF and the BVDG were also discussed in the