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IWF reinforces commitment to developing women’s weightlifting on International Women’s Day

The IWF today reiterated its commitment to developing women’s weightlifting around the world and ensuring equal opportunities for men and women to take part in the sport.

Women’s weightlifting has grown significantly in recent years with more women than ever taking part in last year’s World Weightlifting Championships. This growth has reflected the ongoing efforts of the IWF to support National Federations in developing women’s weightlifting in their respective countries.

This week, IWF Vice President and  USA Weightlifting (USAW) Chair Ursula Garza Papandrea has been in Ahvaz, Iran to lead a training camp for female Iranian weightlifters and support in the development of women’s weightlifting. Weightlifting has traditionally been a men-only event in Iran, but Garza Papandrea’s visit, accompanied by American technical official Sally Van De Water and national champion Derrick Johnson, reflects a significant step for the country.

Garza Papandrea has met with Islamic Republic of Iran Weightlifting Federation President Ali Moradi who has spoken of his plans for Iranian women to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Speaking on International Women’s Day, IWF President Tamas Ajan said:

“Gender equality is a key priority for the IWF. We want to ensure that there are equal opportunities for men and women to practise our sport from amateur level all the way up to elite. Good progress has been made but there is more work to be done and the IWF is committed to working with our National Federations to achieve gender equality.”

At Tokyo 2020, weightlifting will be gender equal with the IWF with seven men’s and seven women’s weight categories.