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The 2023 edition of the IWF World Junior Championships is on, after today’s Opening Ceremony, held in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. While the lifters enter into action this Wednesday, the 44 national delegations (and 229 athletes) present in the capital of the state of Jalisco had the opportunity to enjoy a colourful debut of the event, mixing cultural Mexican elements with acrobatic performances, the flags’ parade and naturally the welcome speeches of the authorities involved in the staging of the competition.

It all started with an outdoor demonstration of “lucha libre”, Mexican’s famous wrestling, where the “fighters” wear a mask and extravagant costumes. Judging by the enthusiastic support from the crowd assisting to these performances, no doubt subsisted on the popularity of “lucha libre” in the country. Among two demonstrations, there was time to honour the three-time weightlifting Olympic champion and Vice-President of the IWF, the great Hellenic champion Pyrros Dimas.

The guests were then invited to sit inside the venue of the Championships, where the ceremony proceeded with some more protocolar moments. The parade of the national flags, whose delegations are taking part in the Championships, was naturally one of the evening’s highlights.

When dignitaries climbed the podium to deliver their speeches, the IWF President Mohammed Jalood was particularly happy to open this event in Guadalajara. “This is the first IWF event after a historical moment for our International Federation – the reinstatement of weightlifting in the Olympic programme, after the recent IOC decision in Mumbai. This is therefore a moment of celebration, a moment to praise the unity and the immense work of the weightlifting family. We saved our Sport, and we must continue working hard. I am extremely happy with the level of participation here in Guadalajara, and I am sure that this competition will be marked by outstanding performances,” Mr Jalood considered.

Recalling his Iraqi origins, the IWF President made an interesting comparison with Mexico. “I was born in Babilon, a place with immense historical importance. Mexico is also a country with a long history and rich past, being one of the oldest civilisations of the American continent. Long life to Mexico and thank you for your wonderful hospitality”.

From the host nation, Ana Guevara, director of CONADE (National Commission for Physical Education and Sport), the equivalent to the Minister of Sport, also expressed her satisfaction with hosting the IWF family in Guadalajara. “These championships will leave an immense legacy and will naturally enormously develop weightlifting in our country. I am sure you’ll leave this city with superb memories and, from the Mexican side, we’ve done and will continue doing our utmost to ensure the success of this event,” considered Guevara, former world champion and Olympic silver medallist in athletics (400m).

The opening ceremony concluded with some acrobatic performances, highlighted by musical and lighting effects, providing a perfect inspiration for great results during the nine-day competition.

This is the second consecutive IWF World Championship in Mexico in two consecutive years after the city of Leon hosted in 2022, the IWF World Youth Championships. The Guadalajara rendezvous will take place from November 15-23, 2023.

On this Day 0 of the competition, the IWF President also led the ITOs Technical Meeting, where the officials appointed to the event were briefed on the running of the operations and were reminded of the importance of their function. “Your role is fundamental is ensuring a fair and smooth competition. I thank you for your commitment to our Sport and for your professionalism and dedicated work during our competitions,” said Mr Jalood.

IWF Communications

Photos by Giorgio Scala/Deepbluemedia