News

African Congress in Tunis elects new leadership in friendly atmosphere

The Electoral Congress of the Weightlifting Federation of Africa, held under the auspices of the IWF on 5th February 2009 in Tunis, Tunisia, elected the new leadership of the Federation for the next term. The Congress, initiated by the IWF to replace the inconclusive Electoral Congress held in Egypt last October, was chaired by IWF President Dr Tamás Aján. The Tunisian Weightlifting Federation took over the technical organisation and played the host's role in an outstanding and exemplary manner.29 member countries of the WFA were in attendance with 21 enjoying voting rights in accordance with the WFA Constitution.One of the two candidates to President, Mr. Gamil Hanna (EGY), a co-founder of the WFA who had been bearing this title since 1986, resigned and ceded the President's position to Mr. Khaled Mhalhel (LBA) who was thus elected unopposed. The General Secretary's position was taken by Mr. Eshelli Manareddin (also from

German superstar weightlifter Matthias Steiner has just undergone surgery.

Matthias Steiner's Surgery German superstar weightlifter Matthias Steiner has just undergone surgery. "An inguinal hernia was ascertained on Monday," German weightlifting coach Michael Vater explained to IronMind, so on Tuesday the Olympic gold medalist underwent surgery. Vater said that there was no possibility of delaying the surgery because Steiner needs to focus on being in top condition for the World Weightlifitng Championships later this year. (by Randall J. Strossen)    

The ten best sportsmen of Belarus 2008 have been honoured at a ceremony

The ten best sportsmen of Belarus 2008 have been honoured at a ceremony in the Olympic press centre "Beijing - 2008" at the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus in Minsk. The annual award is in its 50th year and a record 136 Belarusian sports journalists took part in the voting. Andrey Ariamnou (weightlifting) was voted the top sportsman in Belarus. Top of10 best sportsmen of Belarus 2008: 1. Ariamnau Andrey (weightlifting) - 1258 points 2. Miankova Aksana (athletic) - 1162 3. Bahdanovitch Andrey and Aliaxandar (canoe) - 1031 4. Krauchanka Andrey (athletic) - 691 5. Rybakou Andrey (weightlifting) -

Record number of 118 candidates registered to the IWF elections

Before the 30 December 2008 deadline, the National Federations submitted the forms for an unprecedented number of 118 candidates to the upcoming elections at the IWF Electoral Congress in Madrid. Congress Delegates will vote on 1 April to elect the officials of the IWF Executive Board and its four Committees (Technical, Medical, Scientific & Research and Auditors). In the 109-year old history of the International Federation, never before had such enormous interest been registered in the positions on the leading bodies of the Federation. This is a clear indication that the sport of weightlifting has undoubtedly strengthened its status and prestige, with the smashing success of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games obviously contributing to its popularity and renown. Candidates to all posts of the IWF's governing bodies largely outnumber the vacancies, with the most candidatures submitted to the Executive Board Member (39) and to the Technical Committee Member (39) positions. There is only one exception: Dr. Tamás Aján (HUN) can face the election to IWF President unchallenged. If elected, the Hungarian would be President of the IWF for a third consecutive term, after having served six periods since 1976 as General Secretary.

Olympic champion Aramnau named Best Sportsman of the Year in Republic of Belarus

Olympic Hammer Throwing champion Aksana Miankova and Olympic Weightlifting champion Andrei Aramnau were named the top Belarusian Athletes of the Year in the National Public Awards ceremony, "Triumph. Heroes of Sport 2008 " A Gala ceremony was held in Minsk on January 17 following a poll which attracted about 1.5million votes from the Belarusian public. World champion Andrei Aramnau, who broke three heavyweight world records on the Olympic Games in Beijing was named as best Belarusian male athletes of the 2008."Be sure, it's not my last award as best Belarusian athlete of the year!" - a confident Ariamnau said.

Dr. Tamás Aján thanks for congratulations on his 70th Birthday

Prominent personalities of the world of sport sent best wishes to IWF President Dr. Tamás Aján on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The list includes the IOC President, IOC Members, International Federation officials, colleagues, representatives of the international media, etc. Dr. Aján was also congratulated by the Hungarian media, Olympic and sports society. He would like to thank everybody who have sent him a congratulatory message.