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XXI Commonwealth Games began; here’s how to watch online!

After a colourful Opening Ceremony, Prince Charles declared the XXI Commonwealth Games open. The competition takes place at the Gold Coast, Australia, between 4-15 April. The ceremony was almost washed away by heavy rain, but the mood has been lifted once David Katoatau - famous for his victory dances - carried the Kiribati flag without a shirt, following the Pacific traditions of celebrating. 71 nations will be participating with over 6,600 athletes,  competing for 275 gold medals in 19 sports, over 11 days. There are various ways to watch the Games live. The Australian Seven network broadcasts exclusively on its three channels on TV. Alternatively, you can download their mobile phone app or visit the website version. Watch Live Weightlifting has commenced on Day 1: you may follow the results

IF Gender Equality Forum concluded in Lausanne

IF Gender Equality Forum jointly organised by the IOC and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), the IF Gender Equality in Leadership Forum (27-28 March) addressed the bold recommendations of the IOC Gender Equality Review Project launched by the IOC on International Women’s Day (8 March), gender-balanced representation in sports governing bodies and how to avoid gender bias. In his opening speech, Ingmar de Vos, FEI President stressed to the participants: “Sport is one of the most powerful platforms for promoting gender equality and empowering female athletes, so while equestrian does have this unique gender balance, we absolutely see the necessity to continue increasing female participation and define policies in the administration of our sport globally to ensure women carry on leading our sport.” IOC President Thomas Bach gave the keynote address, speaking on the HeForShe solidarity movement, which was created by UN Women, the United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The electoral process was the theme of the first session, with the Forum discussing ways to develop strategies for a gender-balanced representation in governance bodies. The following session tackled gender equal portrayal. Avoiding bias and stereotypes in the representation of women and men is a crucial step on the path towards gender equality, in all areas of life. The session raised awareness on what constitutes gender bias, the powerful role of sports coverage in shaping norms and stereotypes, and how sports organisations can challenge these norms and set the tone to promote balanced coverage and portrayal of sportspeople – irrespective of gender. Concrete tools were shared with the leaders present, to positively influence how their female athletes are portrayed. The Forum concluded by exploring how each organisation can ensure inclusion of gender-equality in decision-making bodies. Among the panellists for this engaging session was Bill Beaumont, President of World Rugby, an IF leader championing the cause for gender equality. He said: “The accountability for the actual delivery of the objectives and tactics of the new Women’s plan rest with the whole organization. Leadership must come from each department with department Heads empowered to take responsibility for meeting their obligations within the plan and support the general manager.” Closing the Forum, Marisol Casado, IOC Member, President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and Chair of the IOC Gender Equality Review Project Working Group, concluded: “I have been very inspired by the discussions we have seen today. Now is the hard part.  We have to continue the work that each Federation is doing but we must take bolder steps […] as we each oversee the implementation of these actions.” The Forum attracted almost 120 delegates representing 25 summer Olympic International Federations (IFs) and five winter IFs. Weightlifting was represented at the Forum with Heather Allison, Member of the IWF Women's Commission and Melody Exhenry, Anti-doping and Development Coordinator. Read the full project here: IOC Gender Equality Review Project  

African Youth and Junior Championships, YOG Qualification Event

Between 26th and 29th March 2018, the Weightlifting Federation of Africa organized the African Youth and Junior Championships which was also a Qualification Event for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games. The event was hosted by the Egyptian Weightlifting Federation in Cairo. Before the competition started WFA held two Education Seminars. First was presented by Dr Mohamed Iraqi Hassan (EGY), member of the WFA Medical Committee about the Sports injuries while the second seminar was about Anti-doping, lectures were given by Dr Kevin du Plooy (RSA), Vice President of WFA and Dr Ali Ramadan (EGY). Around 110 athletes from 14 African Member Federations competed at the African Youth and Junior Championships. Besides competing for being an African champion, quota places for the Youth Olympic Games were the stake. The northern African countries, having the advantage of short distances, had nearly full headcounts. However, the smaller African nations were also represented. The Egyptian team showed its strength winning a medal in almost all categories except one by women and one by men. After the exciting competitions, the following countries secured 1 quota place for the Youth Olympic Games: Men: EGY, ALG, LBA, RSA Women: EGY, ALG, TUN, GHA The full results books can be found here:Youth / Junior   Photo Credit: Nayera

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

WF reports that the sample of  Ms.  Sona POGHOSYAN (ARM) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for  GHRP-2 (AA1-3) (S.2 Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics). As a consequence, the Athlete is provisionally suspended in view of a potential anti-doping rule violation. In any case where it is determined that the athlete did not commit an anti-doping rule violation, the relevant decision will also be published. IWF will not make any further comments on the case until it is

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

IWF reports that the sample of Mr. Oleksandr PIELIESHENKO (UKR) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for Chlorthalidone (S.5 Diuretics and other Masking Agents). As a consequence, the Athlete is provisionally suspended in view of a potential anti-doping rule violation. In any case where it is determined that the athlete did not commit an anti-doping rule violation, the relevant decision will also be published. IWF will not make any further comments on the case until it is

Vidanage looking for at least four gold on Commonwealth Games

On April 4, Chinthana Geethal Vidanage--the overall team captain will lead a squad of 80 athletes across 11 disciplines at the Carrara stadium in Gold Coast, Queensland but he knows the pressure is on him and the rest of the weightlifters to win medals. Sri Lanka weight-lifting team includes 11 athletes--seven male and four female. Sri Lankan lifters have won four Commonwealth Games medals-- one gold, two silver and a bronze during the last three editions and believe they are in with a greater medal haul this time around. “We are in sight of at least four medals,” said Vidanage, the gold medalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. “But it all depends on how they handle the pressure during the competition. If we can carry the same intensity and confidence we had during practices to the Games, I think, we are within our targets. According to Vidanage, Indika Dissanayake who is competing in the 69Kg weight-class and Chathuranga Lakmal (56Kg) are among the top medal contenders this year. In fact, Lakmal had won silver at the recent Commonwealth Games Weightlifting Championships. “Another is Thilanka (Palangasinghe) in the 62 weight-class and myself. If we can replicate what we do at training, I am sure of winning at least four medals.” “If you look at the entire team, I am the only Commonwealth Games medallist going into the Games and also the most experienced players, having represented Sri Lanka during the last four Games. Vidanage who won his gold medal competing in the 62Kg weight-class in 2006, moved to 69 weight-class at the 2010 Delhi Games. He will, however, compete in the 77Kg weight-class in Gold Coast. Vidanage also said they have an outside chance of winning a medal or two in the women’s category with Hasani Gomes (48Kg) and Chamari Warnakulasuriya (53kg) leading the list. Read the full