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The IWF President Mohammed Jalood was this week in Azerbaijan, where he had the opportunity to discuss new ways of developing weightlifting in the country with the national authorities. While in Baku, Mr Jalood met with Prime Minister Mr Ali Asadov, the Minister of Youth and Sports Mr Farid Gayibov, and representatives of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee and Weightlifting Federation.

IWF President Mohammed Jalood (first from the right) meets with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Mr Ali Asadov (second from the left) and President of the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation Mr Kamran Nabizade (first from the left)

During these three days, Mr Jalood visited Baku’s High-Performance Training Centre, a facility that could become an IWF Academy in the future. The complex includes high-level training facilities (the national team of Azerbaijan is doing its preparation there), but also excellent conditions for athletes’ accommodation. A presentation on this venue will be made by Azeri representatives at the IWF Executive Board meeting next December in Bahrain (during the IWF World Championships), so that it can eventually integrate the IWF Academy project, already active in China (Fuzhou) and Cuba (La Habana). 

IWF President (centre) with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports Mr Farid Gayibov (second from the left) and NF representatives (President Nabizade and Vice-President Mr Firdovsi Umudov, first from the right)

“All authorities are quite enthusiastic about this project, as they want to elevate the level of weightlifting in Azerbaijan. The performances of the younger athletes in the country are already quite encouraging, but the sport and political officials are determined to develop a new weightlifting culture in the country, namely in the fundamental area of anti-doping,” considered Mr Jalood after the visit. 

IWF President meeting Azerbaijan’s National Olympic Committee representatives – Vice-President Mr Chingiz Huseynzade and General Secretary Mr Azer Aliyev 

In his discussions with Mr Asadov, the IWF President was happy to know that Azerbaijan is keen to receive IWF events in the future, namely in the youth and junior age group category. This was confirmed by Mr Gayibov, but also by the National Olympic Committee Vice-President Mr Chingiz Huseynzade, and NOC General Secretary Mr Azer Aliyev. 

IWF President with the President and Vice-President of Azerbaijan’s Weightlifting Federation

“I strongly encouraged the Azeri authorities to present their bids, as we all know that the country is perfectly capable of successfully hosting our events. Baku has staged many international and prestigious sports competitions, and we would like to be part of that list. The interest is real and I am sure we will have good news in the future,” concluded Mr Jalood.

IWF Communications