Opening of the IWF Junior World Championships
On the eve of the IWF Junior World Championships, the IWF Marketing Commission welcomed the IWF leadership and the Organizing Committee at a traditional Gala Dinner. The efforts of the Fiji hosts to organize a championship of such measure were widely acclaimed and appreciated by the IWF and its Marketing Commission and sponsors.
Next day at the Opening Ceremony, Atma Maharaj, President of Weightlifting Fiji greeted all participants, officials and spectators at the event and expressed his gratitude to Dr Tamas Ajan, IWF President, the Government of Fiji, the members of the Organizing Committee and all stakeholders who helped to bring the Championships together.
Dr Tamas Ajan, IWF President pointed out that he was happy to see the IWFs confidence in Fiji to organize this high priority event in a professional manner now fully confirmed. This tiny island in the Pacific is defying any scepticism. Fiji and the Local Organising Committee under the leadership of Dr Robin Mitchell – President of ANOC and ONOC, IOC Member – is delivering an enjoyable and spectacular event up to the highest standards of the IWF.
“In addition to support from the Government, we cannot thank enough to Weightlifting Fiji and its President, Mr Atma Maharaj for his devoted service by living up to the challenge of a world event and thus confirming Fiji as a strong weightlifting nation even in a global context.”
On behalf of the government of Fiji, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Parveen Bala extended a warm welcome to the representatives of weightlifting from all over the world and expressed that Fiji is extremely proud to host an IWF World Championships for the first time in the Pacific area.