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The International Weightlifting Federation warmly congratulates the four new members of the ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) Council, elected at its General Assembly on June 11, 2025. In Lausanne, the Olympic capital, Andreas Zagklis (International Basketball Federation), Nenad Lalovic (United World Wrestling), Jean-Christophe Rolland (World Rowing), and Ximena Restrepo (World Athletics), brilliantly got their place in the ASOIF Council, an election in which the IWF President Mohammed Jalood was also a candidate.

“I warmly congratulate my colleagues who were elected and wish the best of luck for their duties in the ASOIF Council. I had the honour of also being, for the first time during my presidency, a candidate for this election, and despite the support towards the IWF, it was not enough. It was nevertheless a very constructive experience and on behalf of the entire weightlifting family I assure that I will continue giving my best to support ASOIF in its essential role of defending the interests of the International Federations within the Olympic Movement”, considered Mr Jalood. The IWF President’s candidature for this position also aimed to fulfil a gap: to elect an IWF representative to the ASOIF Council for the first time ever.

IOC President-Elect Kirsty Coventry speaking at ASOIF General Assembly

The General Assembly was highlighted by introductory messages from the IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC President-Elect Kirsty Coventry.  Mr Bach thanked the Summer IFs for their important contributions over the last years in making the Olympic Games more modern, younger, and more sustainable, as highlighted at its best at Paris 2024. Ms Coventry stressed the importance of working closely with the IFs to deliver the best Olympic Games for the athletes and build a better world through sport. She explained how both priorities are closely connected with Olympic athletes inspiring the next generation.

ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos chairing the General Assembly – Photo credit: ASOIF

Chaired by ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos, the General Assembly was also the privileged opportunity to brief the members about the progression of the three upcoming editions of the summer Olympic Games: Dakar 2026 (Youth Olympic Games), Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032. Insightful presentation from the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Testing Agency were also delivered.

“It was specially gratifying to see that all International Federations are genuinely engaged in making Sport a tool for a happier, healthier, and more peaceful world. ASOIF definitively got reinforced after this General Assembly in Lausanne, as it displayed a high level of unity and sense of togetherness among all its members,” concluded the IWF President.