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The IWF President Mohamed Jalood is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Aref Majed, the new president of the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation. During his visit, the IWF President met Vesela Lecheva, the Bulgarian Minister of Youth and Sports. The IWF delegation in Bulgaria also includes Antonio Conflitti, president of the European Weightlifting Federation, Milan Mihajlovic, general secretary of the European Weightlifting Federation, David Kipshidze, vice-president of the European Weightlifting Federation, and Alexandru-Christian Padure, president of the Romanian Weightlifting Federation and executive board member of European Weightlifting Federation. 

“It is very important for us that the problems in the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation are solved, because it is one of IWF’s most valued members. Your country’s success in our sport is an inalienable part of its history, present and future,” said IWF President Mohammed Jalood.

During the meeting, Vesela Lecheva emphasised the importance of providing a good competitive environment for both athletes and coaches before the important upcoming competitions. Moreover, the Minister informed that Bulgaria has resumed talks about hosting major championships.

“One of the important policies of the Ministry of Youth and Sports is the announcement of the willingness to host World and European championships, world cups, and other major international competitions. They give the concerned federations the opportunity to gain experience, to put a certain sport on the big stage, which is important for competitors and fans, so we will support the efforts of the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation as well,” Bulgarian minister Lecheva said.

The IWF President Mohammed Jalood is impressed by the world record holder Karlos Nasar. In his opinion, Nasar is one of the biggest young talents in the sport and he expressed his sincere wishes for a complete and speedy recovery for the recently-injured athlete and a successful participation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Bulgaria has excellent weightlifters and I am sure that we will see the Bulgarian flag in Paris next year,” declared the IWF President.

The two sides also discussed the intention of the International Federation to cooperate with the Bulgarian National Sports Academy for the training of specialists.

Mr Jalood expressed his intention to sign an agreement between the European Weightlifting Federation and the Bulgarian National Sports Academy in September in Saudi Arabia during the IWF World Championships.

“Bulgaria has some of the best coaches in the world, so I’m happy that this is also appreciated by the IWF. For us, as the leadership of the ministry, the professional path of the coaches is also key, and this was the reason why we made a programme for their financial and career support,” added the Bulgarian Minister. 

Finally, Ms Lecheva supported and praised the IWF leadership for its merciless efforts in fighting against doping and its clean-sport strategy.