News

IWF in Milano for the start of the Olympic Winter Games

The IWF President Mohammed Jalood and the IWF General Secretary José Quiñones were last week in Milano (ITA), where they had the opportunity to attend the IOC Session, a few days before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games. IWF President Mohammed Jalood and IWF General Secretary José Quiñones with Pau Gasol, IOC Member and Spanish basketball legend During their stay in Italy, the IWF dignitaries could meet many IOC members and discuss matters of common interest for the Olympic Movement. They emphasised the commitment of the weightlifting family to remain a stronger partner and an added-value of the Olympic programme in future editions of the Games, and underlined the profound renovation our International Federation has undergone in recent years. With Ms Baklai Temengil, from Palau, President of Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC)  “We had very fruitful meetings here in Milano and we are clearly convinced that weightlifting is now seen as a reliable, credible and renovated sport. The changes we implemented in the fight against doping, and in ensuring the good governance of our Federation, have paid off. The success of our competition at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and in the subsequent editions of the IWF World Championships are also a proof that we are evolving in the right direction,” considered the IWF President Mohammed Jalood. President Jalood with Mr Spyros Capralos (GRE), IOC Executive Board Member Mr Quiñones was present at the superb Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina Olympic Games and could witness some of the athletes’ astonishing performances during the first days of the competition. The IWF leadership also met with the Italian Weightlifting Federation representatives, namely its President Alberto Miglietta (second from the left) “We need to sincerely thank the IOC for trusting and supporting our efforts to modernise and make weightlifting more attractive to the youth. We work hand in hand for the development of Sport, with the ultimate goal of creating a more peaceful, healthier and happier world. In Milano, the organisation has been outstanding, and we can see once more why the Olympic Games are a source of inspiration for many millions of athletes in the five continents,” stated the IWF General

Qualification System for the Olympic Games LA 2028 has been approved

The Weightlifting Qualification System for the Olympic Games LA 2028 has been approved by the IOC Executive Board, after extensive consultation and collaboration with the IWF. The sport of Weightlifting will be represented at the upcoming edition of the Olympic Games by 120 lifters (60 men and 60 women), competing in 12 bodyweight categories (six for men and six for women). From this total number, 108 athletes will be selected through quota places (including 96 through a Qualification ranking, and 12 from continental representation), six can be selected as Host Country representatives, and another six will come through Universality quota. The qualification timeline will run from July 27, 2026 though May 7, 2028 and will include two main qualification periods and events: Period 1 / 6 events ▪ 2026 IWF World Senior Championships ▪ 2026 IWF Qualifier I ▪ 2027 IWF Qualifier II ▪ 2027 Continental Senior Championships (or Continental Senior Games) ▪ 2027 IWF Qualifier III ▪ 2027 IWF World Senior Championships Period 2 / 4 events ▪ 2027 IWF Qualifier IV ▪ 2028 IWF Qualifier V ▪ 2028 Continental Senior Championships ▪ 2028 IWF World Senior Championships In order to be eligible for the IWF Olympic Qualification Ranking, lifters must achieve three Total results during Period 1 and two Total results during Period 2 The full details of the Weightlifting Qualification System can be found here

IWF President congratulates new OCA President

The IWF President Mohammed Jalood was present at the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), earlier this week in Tashkent (UZB), and had the opportunity to personally congratulate the elected OCA President, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani (QAT). IWF President Mohammed Jalood congratulates OCA President HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Mr Jalood wished OCA and its new President the best success in the years to come, thus confirming the immense strength and potential of Asia in the Olympic Movement. The IWF President also emphasised the aspiration for unity, as per the vision of HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani – “Together for Asia”. Finally, Mr Jalood ensured full support of the weightlifting community in the prosecution of the Olympic Council of Asia’s

IWF delegation visits Ningbo (CHN), site of the 2026 IWF Worlds

This week, an IWF delegation including President Mohammed Jalood, General Secretary José Quiñones and Executive Board member Matthew Curtain, was in Ningbo (CHN) for a visit to the Olympic Sports Center, the venue of the upcoming IWF World Championships to be held in October 2026. During the visit, various functional areas of the venue were inspected, including the competition and warm-up areas, utility rooms, and spectator seating. The Organising Committee of the IWF showcase also reported on plans related to hospitality, transportation, and accommodation. From left to right: Matthew Curtain (IWF EB Member), Mohammed Jalood (IWF President), Zhan Xugang (China Weightlifting Association President), and José Quiñones (IWF General Secretary) After the visit, Mr. Jalood expressed his satisfaction with the status of the preparation: “Ningbo has demonstrated outstanding capabilities in venue facilities, hospitality arrangements, and event organisation. I am fully confident in the successful hosting of the 2026 IWF World Championships!” Visiting the venue of the 2026 IWF World Championships  The IWF President also praised China's outstanding performance in our sport: “Weightlifting has always been a traditional strength in this country. There are many Olympic weightlifting champions from China. And the Chinese government has always strongly supported weightlifting. I sincerely hope that China can achieve good results not only in weightlifting, but also in other sports at the 2028 Olympics.” IWF General Secretary José Quiñones reflected on his experience attending last year's National Games in China: “I participated in the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games, and I was particularly impressed. It felt just like an Olympic Opening Ceremony. Therefore, I am confident that China will also host an outstanding 2026 IWF World Championships!” The IWF delegation with Mr Xu Qiang, Vice Mayor of People's Government of Ningbo Municipality IWF Executive Board Member Matthew Curtain also said the 15th National Games in China demonstrated China's outstanding ability in hosting sports events. Therefore, he expressed his “full confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm” concerning a successful staging of the 2026 IWF World Championships. The IWF flagship event is the first qualifying event for the weightlifting competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and is expected to attract athletes from nearly 120 countries and regions worldwide. Ningbo successfully hosted the 2019 Asian Weightlifting Championships and has organised numerous high-level international events in recent years, possessing extensive experience in event management. During its visit to China, the IWF delegation had also the opportunity to meet Mr Xu Qiang, Vice Mayor of People's Government of Ningbo Municipality, and was also introduced to the new China Weightlifting Association President, Mr Zhan Xugang, Olympic gold medallist in 1996 and

IWF President received by the President of Uzbekistan in Tashkent

The IWF President Mohammed Jalood was in the beginning of this week in Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, where was held the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). During his visit, Mr Jalood had the privilege of being received by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In the meeting, topics related with the development of weightlifting in Uzbekistan were discussed. Himself a fan of our sport, Mr Mirziyoyev highlighted that the authorities of his country are strongly supporting the weightlifting activities. IWF President Mohammed Jalood and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev As a result of that effort, several Uzbek lifters have collected medals at world and continental level, making the nation one of the weightlifting powerhouses in the region. Moreover, Uzbekistan is ready to host in 2027 one of the five IWF Qualifiers for the 2028 LA Olympic Games. “It was an honour to be received by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as we had a very fruitful discussion about the development of weightlifting in this country. His Excellency Mr Mirziyoyev congratulated the IWF for its efforts in not only developing weightlifting worldwide, but also for the support to Uzbekistan. In return, he ensured the co-operation at the highest level from the Uzbek authorities to stage world-class events in his country,” considered Mr Jalood after the meeting. “I have no doubt that weightlifting will continue growing and improving in Uzbekistan. The level of involvement from lifters, coaches, officials, but also decision-makers in the country, is outstanding. I wish Uzbek athletes to be successful in our top-events, but also during the 2028 LA Olympic Games,” concluded the IWF

Preliminary Entries for IWF World Junior Championships are due on February 2

IWF would like to kindly remind its National Member Federations that the deadline for the Preliminary Entries of the first IWF event of the year, the IWF World Junior Championships in Ismailia (EGY), is set for this Monday, February 2, 2026. The Championships are scheduled to take place from May 2-8, and in order to successfully proceed with the Preliminary Entries, Member Federations may now register up to 16 athletes per gender, even though the final number of competitors can only be a maximum of 8 athletes (+2 Reserves) per gender, who must be selected by the Final Entry deadline (due on April 2, 2026). Entries can be registered through the IWF online entry system at