News

Tonga is mourning the death of Maamaloa Lolohea

Maamaloa Lolohea from Tonga passed away 21st May, in his home of Vava’u (northern island) Tonga at the age of 52 years. He was known as the gentle giant. Maamaloa lifted for over 10 years representing Tonga and he was very proud of wearing his Tongan national lifting suit. Maamaloa trained at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute from 2003 until he retired from lifting in 2009 after the Mini Games in the Cook Islands. He competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, was the gold medallist at the South Pacific Games in Suva in 2003, was also a gold medallist at the South Pacific Championships in Tonga in 2003 and won a silver medal at the Oceania Senior and Commonwealth Senior Championships the same year. He was the national coach of Tonga for many years. His contribution to the OTIP program, in the initial stages, was outstanding. The IWF sends its deepest condolences to the Tonga and Oceania Weightlifting Federations and to his

Honorary President of WFRK, Kairat Turlikhanov has passed away

The IWF offers its condolences to the Weightlifting Federation of Kazakhstan on the death of Kairat Turlikhanov, Honorary President of the Federation. Former President of WFRK, Mr. Turlikhanov contributed not only to the rise of Kazakh weightlifting sport but he was a senior elected official and also a great supporter of the Asian Weightlifting

Albanian Honorary President, Gudar Beqiraj has passed away

Honorary President of the Albanian Weightlifting Federation, Mr.  Gudar Beqiraj has passed away on 11 May at the age of 72. During his career in weightlifting, which he started in 1967 as a lifter in the national student team, he held various positions, including the Presidency of the Albanian Weightlifting Federation. From 1996 to 2000, he was the Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and up until 2003, he was the head of the Albanian delegations to the Olympic Games, World Championships, Mediterranean Games and European and Balkan Weightlifting Championships. Mr Beqiraj undoubtedly contributed a lot not only to the Albanian weightlifting but to all the sport on an international level. In 2016,  he received the IWF's appreciation for his 50-year devoted service to weightlifting. For his distinguished contribution to the Olympic Movement, he was awarded the Olympic Order, which is the highest appreciation issued by the International Olympic Committee. The IWF and the weightlifting family extend their condolences to the Albanian Weightlifting Federation and to his family.

IWF Secures Finances, Boosts Support for Member Federations

Lausanne, 5 May; Based on strong financial foundations, the IWF has allocated $500,000 in additional development funding for member federations in order to help them deal with extra burdens imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following consultation with the IOC, the IWF has also been able to assure members that no advance payment will be needed against revenue anticipated from Tokyo 2020. Since letting member federations know of the opportunity to apply for additional resources, the IWF has received more than 130 applications for additional development funding, demonstrating the extent to which extra help is needed and the extent to which it will be welcomed. The IWF’s 2020 Development Programme had initially been established to fund seminars and equipment. Following the significant increase in funding made available, that scope has been expanded to cover event support and expenses related to COVID-19. The revised scope includes elements that will have a direct beneficial impact for athletes, including support for flights and accommodation in order to attend IWF-sanctioned competitions. In order to be eligible for development funding, IWF member federations must complete a global survey and provide a budget together with audited financial statements. During the pandemic, the IWF is sending a strong message for athletes to stay at home and to find new ways to stay strong while avoiding public places. The Development and Education Commission alongside the Technical, Medical and Coaching and Research Committees is working to release useful content that keeps weightlifters and fans engaged during this difficult period, including explanatory videos of the IWF Technical and Competition Rules & Regulations, home training tips, explanation about the importance of social distancing and positive messages of Member Federations and their lifters. All stakeholders, athletes, Member, Regional or Continental Federations are welcomed to send their contents to contribute to this

New issue of the Magazine of the South American Weightlifting Confederation is out

The new edition of the CSLP Magazine is available online in Spanish language. In this edition of the magazine published by the  South American Weightlifting Confederation, readers can relive the Grand Prix Lima 2019, the World Championships in Pattaya and get informed about the latest news of the

Cancellation of the 2020 IWF Masters World Championships

The IWF Masters Executive Board and active Co-opted Members decided to cancel the 2020 IWF MASTERS World Championship in Orlando and to offer to the USA Masters committee to host the event in 2022, which was thankfully received by the USA Masters committee under Michael Cohen. Already a new date with the same location in Orlando - USA has been given: New date: 18 - 27 August 2022. The decision has been made without Congress vote, as this will not be possible until the next Congress in Kansai in 2021. New dates of postponed Continental Masters Championships: - Oceania Masters: 05- 07 June 2020, postponed, a new date has not been announced yet - Pan-American Masters: 08 - 11 October 2020 - European Masters: 28 Nov. - 05 December