News

The IWF Congress starts in two days

The IWF Congress for the Modification of the Constitution, Technical and Competition Rules will be held on 12-13 December 2012, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The International Weightlifting Federation and Mr. Jahangir Askerov, President of the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation are ready to welcome all delegations. About 200 representatives from round 100 member countries are expected to participate in the IWF Congress to be held in Azerbaijan's capital. The 5 star JW Marriott Hotel Absheron Baku will provide a worthy background and location to this very important

Visit of German Federation President Claus Umbach at the IWF President

On 5th December 2012, IWF President Dr. Tamás Aján received Mr. Claus Umbach, President of the German Weightlifting Federation (BVDG) for a discussion in Budapest. Mr. Umbach’s goal in asking for this meeting was to clear misunderstandings and seek to reestablish the good relations between the German Federation and the IWF. Regarding the BVDG’s open letter dated 4th October 2012 addressed to the IWF President and sent to all the National Federations, the signatory, Mr. Umbach said he was sorry and personally apologized for the statements made in the letter. Dr. Aján emphasized that he and the IWF had always considered the German Federation as an important feature in an international context. The BVDG President confirmed his support to the IWF’s objectives and expressed his appreciation towards its anti-doping activities and initiatives. The prospects of a fruitful co-operation between the IWF and the BVDG were also discussed in the

Kosova Weightlifting Federation Electoral Congress

On October 31, 2012 the Kosova Weightlifting Federation held its Electoral Congress. The Elections were held at the Hotel LORD in Prishtina where 21 delegates from 7 weightlifting clubs of Kosova where present. Ali Sekiraca and Fahri Hoxha were candidates for the position of President. After the candidates presented the development strategy 2012-2016 for the sport of Weightlifting in Kosova, Ali Sekiraca was re elected President with 14 votes against Fahri Hoxha who received 6 votes. 1 vote was invalid. For the position of the General Secretary there were two candidates as well: Astrit Hasani and Donika Nushi. With 19 votes Astrit Hasani was re-elected as a General Secretary against Donika Nushi with 2 votes. According to the KWF constitution the Congress elected Four (4) Executive Board Members: 1. Fahri Hoxha 2. Donika Nushi (Women) 3. Flamur Ajeti 4. Branislav Grbic (from the Minorities living in Kosova: Serbian) According to the KWF constitution the Executive Board in the next meeting will appoint three (3) Board

Polish Weightlifting Federation Elections

The Polish Weightlifting Federation held its XVI Electoral Congress on 1 December at the Torwar Sports Hall in Warsaw – venue to welcome the 2013 IWF World Championships. The Electoral Congress was held with the participation of 78 delegates, Mr. Adam Krzesinski, Polish National Olympic Committee General Secretary, Mr. Wojciech Wasiaka, Polish Sports Ministry Director and Mr. Attila Adamfi, IWF Competition Director. Szymon Kolecki (two times Olympic silver medallist in Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008, World and European Champion in the 94kg bodyweight category), won 43:33 with two invalid votes against Zygmunt Wasiela previously holding this function. The Polish Weightlifting Federation New Board was also elected: Zdzislaw Zołopa, Ryszard Szewczyk, J. Ostrowski, Wojciech Gesek, Mariusz Jedra, Ginter Plaza, Rafal Grazawski, Arkadiusz Ratajczak, Waldemar Ostapski, Henryk Szynal, Jerzy Jaśniak, Mateusz Blachowicz, Jerzy Nowak and Lech Labudda. Board will be constituted on 6 December. Jacek Korczak-Royal, PWF

IWF Honorary Vice President Philippe Saint-Cyr received ‘Caring Canadian Award’

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the ‘Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award’ to Philippe Saint-Cyr for his pioneering role as an internationally renowned weightlifting official, in the development of the sport and for his unpaid work in a variety of federations at the regional, provincial, national and international levels. Created in 1995, the ‘Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award’ recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scene, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens. The award also brings to light fine example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character. Congratulations to

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: 600 days to go

Friday 30 November marks exactly 600 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. To mark the milestone, which falls appropriately on St Andrew’s Day, pupils from St Andrew’s Primary School in Cumbernauld celebrated the countdown to the Games by donning the Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan for an extra-special plaid-time! In 600 days, in front of a television audience of more than one billion, the Commonwealth Games gets underway in Glasgow. It’s going to be the largest sporting and cultural event Scotland will ever host, featuring up to 15,000 volunteers and with one million tickets available to watch the best athletes in the Commonwealth competing for gold in a host of world class venues. “It is fitting this St Andrew’s Day that we mark 600 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow and Scotland’s Commonwealth Games,” said Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 David Grevemberg. "Our venues are coming to life and looking magnificent and, as we move towards the starting line, it's a fantastic vote of confidence to hear world-class athletes of the calibre of Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis, Oscar Pistorius and so many others starting to express their intention to compete at Glasgow in 2014. “Increasingly, the scene is getting set for a feast of global sport and I know Glasgow and Scotland will create a wonderful stage for stars such as these to shine." Source: