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SEA Games: World records for world champions Wichuma and Rizki – and hosts Thailand take nine golds

Rizki Juniansyah from Indonesia was in world record form as he claimed another major victory to add to the Olympic gold and world title he has won in the past 18 months. Rizki won at the South East Asian Games in Chonburi, Thailand, where a high-quality competition featured six world records — five senior and one junior. Thailand dominated over five days of weightlifting in the multi-sport Games, which end on Saturday. The host nation had nine winners, two of whom – world champion Weeraphon Wichuma at 71kg and Theeraphon Silachai at 60kg – set world records. Both men were silver medallists at the Paris Olympic Games. Rizki Juniansyah (INA) Five of the seven women’s events were won by Thailand, which also took five silver or bronze medals. Indonesia won three golds, and Vietnam and the Philippines had one each. The star performer for the Philippines was a silver medallist, Albert Delos Santos, who bettered his own clean and jerk junior world record in finishing second to Wichuma. Delos Santos was named “the future of Philippines weightlifting” by his team-mate Hidilyn Diaz, the 2020 Olympic champion who competed for the first time in nearly two years but finished out of the medals. Diaz, 34, said she was not retiring yet. Weeraphon Wichuma (THA) Rizki, like Wichuma, broke world records in clean and jerk and total. With his final attempt he bettered his own clean and jerk mark by 1kg, finishing 160-205-365. That was 3kg better than the total world record set by Abdelrahman ‘Abdo’ Younes from Egypt at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia last month. “I wanted to break the snatch record (166kg) but my coach wouldn't let me do it,” Rizki said. “So I decided to just land at 160 kg in the snatch so I could relax a bit in the clean and jerk.” Theeraphon Silachai (THA) He seemed untroubled in making his 160kg snatch, and also looked more comfortable in clean and jerk than he had done when winning the world title in Norway in early October. Rizki’s team-mate Rahmat Erwin bulked up to 80.61kg, his heaviest ever, but was still more than 7kg light in the 88kg category. Rahmat won on 160-202-362 and said he was trying to be less stressed in future, having suffered badly when he was knocked out of Paris 2024 by Rizki in the final qualifier. “I can be more calm, enjoy it, and just relax,” he said. “I don't want to worry too much or be overwhelmed.” Asked about weight classes for himself and Rizki next year, when qualifying for Los Angeles 2028 begins, Rahmat said, “We don't know what it'll be like yet, or which class we'll be in. We'll see.” Wichuma has won Olympic silver, a world title and now SEA Games gold in his past three competitions. He made 151-196-347 at 71kg, which was 1kg more than his World Championships total in Forde, Norway in October. His 196kg was the 12th world record at this weight since July. Albert Delos Santos (PHI) Delos Santos made 138-186-324 in second place. After seeing his team-mates Rosegie Ramos, Jhodie Peralta and Diaz all fail to win a medal in the three lightest women’s events, he became the first Philipppines medallist. “I wanted to lift the team some way or another,” he said. “I’m not doing this for myself, I want to do this for them. I love my team.” Silachai was second in Paris and Forde, and won in Chonburi on 131-173-304. By contrast with the 71kg category, his clean and jerk was the first world record at 60kg, where the world standard on total is 307kg. Surodchana Khambao (THA) Thailand’s other male winners were Patsaphong Thongsuk at 65kg on 307kg, and Sarat Sumpradit at 94kg on 366kg. Vietnam won the men’s super-heavyweights when Dinh Thang Tran made 366kg. The women’s champions from Thailand were the Paris bronze medallist Surodchana Khambao at 53kg on 204kg, Suratwadee Yodsarn at 58kg on 224kg, Phattharathida Wongsing at 69kg on 229kg, Chalida Taingdee at 77kg on 214kg, and the super-heavyweight Duangaksorn Chaidee on 258kg. Elreen Ando won on 229kg for the Philippines at 63kg, while the home favourite Thanaporn Saetia made only two good lifts and finished third. Luluk Wijayana from Indonesia also got the better of a leading Thai lifter when she totalled 184kg to win at 48kg ahead of Thanyathon Sukcharoen, who failed with her final attempt at 102kg. Elreen Ando (PHI) Rizki, Wichuma and Silachai led the individual men’s rankings in that order. The top female performer was Yodsarn, whose 224kg was a career best, followed by the 58kg silver medallist Natasya Beteyob from Indonesia, who totalled 218kg, then Khambao. By Brian

Malta hosts successful EU Cup and International Junior Open Championships

The Malta Weightlifting Association successfully hosted, 5-7 December 2025, the European Union Cup and the Malta International Junior Open Championship at the newly inaugurated facility within the Marsa Sports Complex. These twin events brought together athletes from 21 countries, competing across three age categories, Under 15, Under 17, and Under 20 - for both boys and girls. As part of the programme, a technical seminar for athletes, coaches, and officials was held in Sliema, led by Dr. Milan Mihajlovic. Three national officials who also attended, successfully passed later their examinations to become International Technical Officials. The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Charles Camenzuli, President of AIPS Europe, who spoke about the growth and development of weightlifting in Malta over the years. Additional remarks were delivered by EWF General Secretary, who highlighted the importance of these competitions, commended the professionalism of the organisers, and expressed hope that Malta may soon host the European Youth Championships. Jesmond Caruana, President of the Malta Weightlifting Association and the European Union Weightlifting Confederation, thanked all participating countries for their commitment and emphasised that the success of the event was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure exceptional hospitality and smooth operations. Dr. Astrit Hasani, President of the European Weightlifting Federation, praised the Malta Weightlifting Association, noting his admiration for how such a small federation could deliver an event of such high organisational quality and attention to detail. The competition saw outstanding individual and team performances. France claimed the title of Best Team in the EU Cup, while Israel emerged victorious in the Malta International Junior Open. The European Weightlifting Federation extends its sincere appreciation and congratulates the Malta Weightlifting Federation and Mr. Jesmond Car uana for organising another high-level weightlifting event. Source:

Forrester Osei at the WADA Conference: “Education remains central to this process”

An important IWF delegation was this week in Busan (KOR) for the sixth WADA Conference, the most important gathering of the World Anti-Doping Agency and its stakeholders. Our International Federation was represented by President Mohammed Jalood, General Secretary José Quiñones, and Athletes Commission Chair Forrester Osei. On behalf of the IWF, Mr Osei was invited to make a short presentation at the Conference, in which he highlighted the progress and intense work our International Federation is doing in the fight against doping. From left to right: Forrester Osei (IWF Athletes Commission Chair), Mohammed Jalood (IWF President), and José Quiñones (IWF General Secretary)  “Over the past few years, we have worked hard to rebuild trust, strengthen integrity, and place athletes at the centre of everything we do. These changes were not only necessary - but they were also essential for the future of our sport and for our continued presence on the Olympic programme. Our reforms have been guided by one clear principle: full alignment with the World Anti-Doping Code and its International Standards,” considered the IWF Athletes Commission Chair. Mr Osei also recalled the importance of the partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA): “In pursuit of this, the IWF has delegated its entire anti-doping program to the ITA, ensuring the independence, professionalism, and transparency of all testing and results management activities.” Mr Jalood and Mr Quiñones in front of a poster displaying Cyrille Tchatchet, IWF Athletes Commission Member and WADA Athletes Council Member He concluded by saying that education should continue being the main pillar of this strategy: “Education remains central to this process. In cooperation with WADA, the International Testing Agency, and our National Federations, we have developed a comprehensive Education Strategy that focuses not only on compliance, but on values. Our aim is to empower athletes to make informed choices, to understand their rights and responsibilities, and to become advocates for clean sport within their own communities. These reforms have yielded measurable progress: stronger testing programs, greater transparency in results management, and growing confidence among athletes who value a level playing field.” Mr Quiñones and Mr Osei with Mr Kofi Adams (Minister of Sports and Recreation of the Republic of Ghana) At the end of the Conference, held from December 1-5, the WADA President Witold Banka emphasised the positive outcomes of the gathering, namely the approval of the revised World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards, to be enforced from 2027. “Today’s approval of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards is the culmination of years of collaborative work and tireless effort from the entire anti-doping and sporting communities. The revised Code and Standards prioritise the human rights of athletes, especially minors and other protected persons. They also increase the responsibilities of the entourage and of Anti-Doping Organisations,” said Mr

Bolivarian Games: World champion Yeison Lopez ends memorable year in style

Yeison Lopez from Colombia rounded off a highly successful year when he claimed another notable victory at the Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru. A few days later he won a prestigious sportsperson of the year title. “It’s been a wonderful year,” Lopez said. “I’m coming off a very special year with the Olympic Games, but 2025 has also been very special because I’ve achieved so much. “The key is discipline. When we are disciplined, consistent, and work hard, success comes easily. I am a man very dedicated to what I do.” Lopez set two world records when he won the 88kg world title in Norway in October, and was within range of another one at the Bolivarian Games, where he was Colombia’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony. Yeison Lopez (COL) - Photo credit: Lopez' Instagram page He equalled Ro Kwang Ryol’s world record of 215kg when he jumped 12kg to make his second clean and jerk. But he declined his final attempt, as he had done in snatch. In his four good lifts, Lopez made 169-215-384, which was 3kg less than his own world record on total. Medals were awarded in snatch and clean and jerk, but not on total. Lopez, 26, was second behind Karlos Nasar at the Paris Olympic Games last year and has been in the top two in his past eight competitions. He was presented with the El Espectador/Movistar sportsperson of the year award, which has been running for 65 years, on Monday. There was further recognition for weightlifting when Luis Arrieta was named coach of the year. Keydomar Vallenilla (VEN) - Photo credit: Vallenilla's' Instagram page Lopez’ only setback in 2025 was at the Pan American Championships, where he failed with his last two attempts and finished second to Keydomar Vallenilla from Venezuela. Vallenilla moved up to 94kg in Lima (he weighed in 2kg light) and won on 176-216-392, which put him second behind Lopez in the individual rankings. Both men set continental records, Lopez in clean and jerk, and Vallenilla in clean and jerk and total. Two other men set Pan American senior records - Reinner Arango from Venezuela with a 150kg snatch at 71kg, and the Colombian super-heavyweight Rafael Cerro with a clean and jerk of 227kg. Angel Rodriguez from Venezuela, who was second behind Lopez, claimed junior Pan American records in snatch and total when he made 168-192-360. Rodriguez, 19, was a silver medallist at the World Junior Championships this year. His team-mate Julio Mayora declined his second and third snatch attempts but still took both golds at 79kg on 145-193-338. Anyelin Venegas (VEN) - Photo credit: Venegas' Instagram page Venezuela had the top female performer in Anyelin Venegas, who had a sweep of continental records at 58kg when she made 99-122-221. The Ecuador junior Jessica Palacios Dajome was ranked second despite making only two good lifts at 63kg on 95-122-217. Yenny Sinisterra, Julieth Rodrigues and Mari Leivis Sanchez all won two gold medals for Colombia. Sinisterra made 104-123-227 at 63kg, Rodriguez 107-132-239 at 69kg, and Sanchez 105-128-233 at 77kg. Yenny Sinisterra (COL) - Photo credit: Sinisterra's Instagram page Colombia and Venezuela dominated the medals tables. Colombia won 17 golds, 10 silvers and two bronzes, while Venezuala had 12, nine and eight respectively. By Brian

Weightlifting confirmed in the core sports programme of the Centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games in India

The city of Amdavad, India (also known as Ahmedabad) has today been formally ratified as the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, marking a historic moment for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. In addition to designating the hosts for 2030, Commonwealth Sport also confirmed that 15-17 sports will feature at Amdavad 2030 – Weightlifting is part of the core sports programme of the competition, comprising also Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball and Boxing. The process to finalise the remainder of the programme will start next month, and the full Centenary Games line-up will be announced in 2026. Weightlifting is part of the programme of the Games since the 1950 edition, held in Auckland (New Zealand). Our sport is also one of the 10 included in the upcoming edition of the event, scheduled between July 23-Agust 2, 2026 in Glasgow (Scotland). “Firstly, on behalf of the Weightlifting family, I would like to address our warmest congratulations to the city of Amdavad and to the Indian authorities for this outstanding success and for having the honour of staging the Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. “Secondly, the IWF extends its deepest appreciation to Commonwealth Sport for the inclusion of Weightlifting in the core programme of the competition. Once more, our lifters will have the opportunity to perform at the highest level in the Games, thus consolidating the strength and popularity of our Sport among the Commonwealth nations and territories. As it is the case since 1950, we will closely co-operate with the 2030 organisers and the Commonwealth Sport to deliver the best possible Weightlifting competition in India!” considered the IWF President Mohammed Jalood. India presented a compelling vision for the 2030 Games, centred in the Gujarat city of Amdavad (Ahmedabad), which will build on foundations laid by Glasgow 2026, enabling India to celebrate the centenary in style.  The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. Australia topped the medal table at the most recent Games, staged in Birmingham, England, in 2022, with the rest of the top five made up of England, Canada, India and New Zealand. Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport said: "This is the start of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a 'Games reset' we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape to welcome the 74 teams of the Commonwealth before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games.  “India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance, and I'm delighted to report strong interest from a range of nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond. We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good

IWF and FIBA together for a weightlifting activation campaign at the 3×3 World Tour Final in Manama

A successful weightlifting activation campaign took place this weekend in Manama, the vibrant capital of Bahrain, during the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final. Many stars and top lifters from the region (Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) were involved in this promotional action, brilliantly organised by the Bahrain Weightlifting Federation. Gor Minasyan (BRN) inspiring a young fan Throughout the end of last week, local lifters were able to train in the fan-zone of the FIBA competition, showcasing the sport to the fans leading up to the 3x3 finals on November 21-22. During those two days, an exhibition competition was held, in a new mixed gender team event. Present in Manama, the IWF First Vice-President Ursula Papandrea represented our International Federation, while IWF Athletes Commission Chair Forrester Osei was an enthusiastic MC of the weightlifting activities. In the spirit of 3x3 competition, three platforms were available, and the teams also comprised three athletes. The exhibition attracted the attention of many fans with crowds gathering around the fan-zone to watch the lifters. From left to right: Andreas Zagklis (FIBA Secretary General), HH Shaikh Issa Bin Al Khalifa (Vice-President of Bahrain Olympic Committee), Ursula Papandrea (IWF First Vice-President), and Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq (President of Bahrain Weightlifting Federation and IWF EB Delegate) On Saturday, on the FIBA 3X3 court and broadcasted globally, there was a “field of play” activation of our sport featuring Forrester Osei and Bahrain’s Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Gor Minasyan, holder of the second heaviest snatch in weightlifting history, teaching fans how to master this movement! Bahrain’s young stars Ingrid Segura, Jhon Lopez, and Adrian Granja, recent medallists at the Asian Youth Games, World Championships, and Islamic Solidarity Games, were also on the court throwing team Bahrain jerseys to the fans and interacting with them during the finals. At the end of the weightlifting exhibition, a medal ceremony at the fan-zone (fully branded with the IWF, 3x3, and BRN WF logos) was held. IWF Athletes Commission Chair Forrester Osei animating the weightlifting activities After this event, Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, President of the Bahrain Weightlifting Federation and IWF Executive Board Delegate, was naturally a happy man: “This was an exciting opportunity for our sport as we had the occasion to present a very successful and innovative event. We hope to build on this for future mixed team, mixed gender events in urban settings that can bring our sport closer to the fans,” Mr Eshaq said. Mr Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq awarding a souvenir medal to a future champion This initiative was held 11 months after the memorable organisation of the IWF World Championships in Manama, in December 2024. Concerning the co-operation with FIBA 3x3, a similar activation campaign had taken place in Cangzhou (CHN), on October 18-19, during one of the legs of the basketball competition. Supported by the Chinese Weightlifting Association and IWF’s partner ZKC, two local lifters had provided an exhibition activity (showcasing the movements of snatch and clean & jerk), while inviting the fans of the event to join them on the platform. The activation campaign in China Actively engaged in the implementation of this IWF-FIBA partnership, IWF General Secretary José Quiñones also underlined the very positive outcome of this initiative: “Firstly, I would like to express IWF’s gratitude and appreciation to FIBA, but also to the National Federations of Bahrain and China, for making this possible. The 3x3 events are very popular and attract a lot of fans worldwide, and it was of course very positive for Weightlifting to be associated with this success. Besides the promotional purpose, it is also a precious learning experience for us on how to present our sport in a more innovative, younger, and urban way. It is an additional and important step forward in the direction we want to take our Sport!” IWF