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IWF STATEMENT

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) is deeply distressed by the situation in Ukraine and condemns the invasion by Russia on the state of Ukraine. The safety and well-being of all those in unrest are in our thoughts.

As part of the Olympic family, we are united in the mission of the Olympic Movement to contribute to peace and unite the world in peaceful competition. IWF is striving to develop and promote weightlifting in the spirit of the Olympic Charter and is aligned with the Olympic values. Therefore, we strongly support the International Olympic Committee’s recommendations in response to the current crisis.

As such, the IWF Executive Board met to discuss the evolving situation and has taken the decision to suspend the participation of all athletes, team officials and technical officials from Russia and Belarus from any international or continental weightlifting event until further notice. In addition, and also until further notice, no IWF sanctioned events will be organized in these countries. These exceptional measures were decided and issued in view of the extraordinary circumstances arising in Ukraine. They constitute preventive measures aiming at preserving the integrity of sport, the relationships between our members and between all the participants. They are also aimed at protecting the safety of all participants, including in particular the participants from the two above mentioned countries.
 
The IWF Executive Board will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation. The above exceptional measures may be adapted, and hopefully eventually lifted, when and if the situation will so justify.

The IWF Executive Board has further approved funding to support Ukrainian athletes during this trying time. The IWF Secretary General Mr. Mohammed Jaloud is currently in contact with the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation to ensure that financial and training support will be provided to athletes preparing for the Youth, Junior and World Championships. In addition, the IWF will work with the UWF to rebuild any facilities that may have been impacted.   

The IWF stands with the International Olympic Committee, the Ukrainian Olympic community and the Ukrainian Weightlifting family and are committed to providing any additional humanitarian assistance necessary. On behalf of the weightlifting community, the IWF hopes that peace will be restored at the earliest.