6th IWF Grand Prix – Russian Federation President’s Cup concluded
Kazan again offered superb conditions and warm hospitality for the participants of the first Olympic Qualification Event in 2016.
The Event was opened by Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Igor Nagornikh, Deputy Sports Minister of Russia, Alexander Gerasimenko, Vice President and Attila Adamfi, Director General of IWF.
On the first competition day in women’s 75 kg a great number of spectators watched the fight between Mariia Petrova (RUS), Junior World and European Champion of 2015 and Johanie Filiatreault (CAN), bronze medalist of the Junior World Championships of 2013. Fililatreault received gold medal, Petrova silver and Jessica Phillips (USA) bronze.
The Canadian anthem was followed by the Russian one in men’s 94 kg, as Adam Maligov (RUS) was awarded three gold medals with 375 kg in total. The winner of the Grand Prix last year, Junior European Champion, silver medalist at the 2014 Senior World Championships defeated Viktor Getts (RUS) and Bianco Angelo (USA).
In women’s + 75 kg Hripsime Khurshudyan (ARM), bronze medalist of London 2012, several times World and European Champion won.
Wesley Kitts (USA) was a surprise in men’s 105 kg, as his name has not been known by the public and received three bronze medals. Jaroslav Samoraj (POL) was the winner in this bodyweight category with a total of 400 kg, adding 15 kg to the total of Gennady Muratov (RUS) silver medalist.
An enthusiastic audience cheered the victory of Ruben Aleksanyan (ARM), Junior World Champion, European silver medalist who won the men’s heavyweight category. Peter Nagy (HUN) finished second, Jirzi Orsag (CZE) third. In spite of the expectations Chingiz Mogushov (RUS) could get only the fourth place, but he was the winner having the highest bodyweight (195,80 kg) ever registered at IWF Events.
The event concluded with a spectacular gala dinner where the best team – traditionally the Russian one – was awarded.
The two-day competition was held in excellent surroundings and the 6th IWF Grand Prix – Russian President’s Cup finished with great success. Kazan proved to be a perfect host again, after organising several international weightlifting events in the past years.
