News

Updated Regulation for the IWF Grand Prix 1st International Fajr Cup

The 1st International Fajr Cup held in Tehran, IRI will serve as Olympic Qualification Event for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Please check out the modified Regulation published on the IWF website for more information. This IWF Grand Prix hosted for the first time by the Iranian Weightlifting Federation will be held at the “Weightlifting Hall of Azadi Sport Complex” in Tehran. The competition will be organized in the following bodyweight categories for Men: 85kg, 94kg, 105kg and +105kg The best 3 athletes will be awarded with prize money. A Methodology and Training Science Course as well as an Anti-Doping Course will take place on every competition day. For further information please contact the Organizing Committee. Make sure to arrange your VISA in

The Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation remains banned from entering the next Olympic Games

Lausanne, 29 January 2016 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the arbitration procedure between the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation (BWF) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The BWF remains banned from entering the next edition of the Olympic Games. However, the fine of USD 500,000 imposed on the BWF is set

Russian President’s Cup date and place confirmed

The Russian President’s Cup will take place on 19-20 March 2016. This 6th edition will be held in Kazan, city that organized the 2014 IWF Junior World Championships as well. The Regulation will follow

Sam Coffa 80

Facts are facts; still some of them are difficult to accept. Such is for instance the fact that Sam Coffa, IWF Vice President and Chairman of the Technical Committee from Australia, is turning 80 years old. True that he claims seniority in the organisations he holds office in, but it rather refers to rank and wisdom than age. The ultimate Technical Official of unquestionable competence, the National, International and Commonwealth leader of the sport he has a lifelong engagement with, the Olympic Technical Delegate, the weathered and wise Executive of the IWF for decades, etc., etc.; all this coupled with an energetic, passionate character in a youthful man’s body. Dear Mr. Coffa: please continue to live long for many years; enjoy life and work alike to the benefit of the World’s Weightlifting Family! We wish you many happy returns!

Double Olympic Champion Leonid Zhabotinsky dies at 78

Ruslan Zhabotinsky, the son devoted to preserving and fostering his great Father’s heritage announced the death of two-times Olympic Champion weightlifter (+90kg, 1964 Tokyo and 1968 Mexico City) Leonid Zhabotinsky. The Ukrainian giant, 4-times World Champion and holder of 19 world records, was rightly called in his time “The Strongest Man of the World” when he collected all the precious titles – then for the USSR – in the superheavyweight category. A role model to the young, he was not only talented but also a hard worker that enabled him to reach the peak of any weightlifter’s career twice. His memorial service will be held at the Leonid Zhabotinsky Weightlifting Sports School in his hometown Zaporozhye, Ukraine, on 16th January

Albanian National Olympic Committee announced 2015 best athletes

The Albanian National Olympic Committee (NOC) has announced its best sportspeople of 2015 at a ceremony in Tirana. Briken Calja, 8th in Men 69kg Category at 2015 World Championships in Houston was recognized as best athlete in Weightlifting along with multiple national record holder Luiza Gega (Athletics), Arjon Kaloshi (Boxing), Redi Halilaj (Cycling), the best footballer of the year Sabjen Lilaj, 17 years old World Aquatics Championships competitor Nikol Merizaj (Swimming), Anton Qafarena (Volleyball), Jon Vrenozi (Judo), and the bronze medalist at European Championships Egers Aliu (Taekwondo). The fair play award was given to basketball player Red Vogli Cmimi. In its selection, the Albanian NOC took into account the participation in national and international activities and the results achieved in different