News

Comments on the modified IWF Technical Rules

Since the modified rule changes were published on our website, the IWF has received many comments from all over the world. Here are some examples: „My sincere THANKS to the Executive Council and Members of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for allowing women of all faiths to compete while wearing modest attire that will ensure fairness, equality and inclusion for all." "Just wanted to convey my heartfelt appreciation on this important decision that allows women of all faiths to participate fully in weightlifting sport without having to compromise their beliefs and values. This action speaks for the civilized world we live in, it speaks for the decency and acumen of individuals in charge of making such important decisions and goes a long way in paving the path to human dignity and freedom of choice that United States of America stands for!" „Thank You for making your sport more accommodating and inclusive to others. This can only increase competitiveness and build interest across communities."

IWF Congress in Penang

On 29th June 2011, the IWF Congress took place in Penang, Malaysia, at the Equatorial Hotel. The Congress was chaired by IWF President Dr. Tamas Ajan and Ms. Lydia Ong Kok Fooi, Penang's Minister of Sport was also in attendance among the dignitaries. Delegates from 60 countries were present. During the IWF Congress, the Reports of the IWF Committees were delivered to Congress delegates. The attendees also received and noted information about the IWF Executive Board Meeting. In regard to the IWF Development Program, Ms. Éva Moska gave a summary and the table of applications received for support and all of them were supported by the IWF Executive Board. All applications that were sent in accordance with the Development Program's Guidelines were confirmed and subsequently the allocation approved by the Executive Board. Anti-Doping related issues were summarized by Dr. Mónika Ungár who also gave practical instructions on using the ADAMS for the submission of whereabouts. With the use of ADAMS, the IWF is 100% WADA compliant. Reports on the preparation of future events were delivered: 2011 Summer Universiade to be held in Shenzhen, China2011 World Championships to be held in Paris, France2012 Olympic Games to be held in London, United Kingdom In conclusion, the Congress reconfirmed the unity, friendship and the cooperation within the IWF, its Executive Board and among its membership and the common goal to work together towards the progress of weightlifting worldwide.

MEDIA RELEASE in regard to weightlifting competition costumes

INTERNATIONAL WEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATION CREATES MORE INCLUSIVE SPORT ENVIRONMENT  (Penang, MAS) The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) demonstrated its progressive strength today during the Junior World Championships by presenting alternatives to its traditional competition costumes.  The newly approved competition costume modification promotes and enables a more inclusive sport environment and breaks down barriers to participation.     The IWF's Technical Committee, chaired by IWF Vice President Sam Coffa of Australia, reviewed a proposal from the United States Olympic Committee and the USA Weightlifting Federation in relation to Muslim female athlete competition wear.  "The Committee continually reviews its technical sport rules as directed by its quadrennial work plan."  Coffa declares "This issue was on our radar so we thank the USOC and our member Federation for prompting it and look forward to having increased global participation from removing this barrier" The modified rule changes permits athletes to wear a one piece full body tight fitted "unitard" under the compulsory weightlifting costume.   The "unitard" will enable technical officials to effectively adjudicate areas of the body which are essential to the correct execution of the lift.  "As far as wearing coverings on the athletes head, such as the hijab, the sport of Olympic Weightlifting has always allowed this."  Coffa notes "Our rules simply mandate that the athlete cannot touch the head with the barbell; if the barbell touches the covering, it is considered to be part of the head." "Weightlifting is an Olympic Sport open for all athletes to participate without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, age, or national origin in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter and values."  states Dr Tamas Ajan, IWF President and Honorary IOC member  "This rule modification has been considered in the spirit of fairness, equality and inclusion."     The new IWF Competition Costume rule modifications are effective immediately.   For more information, contact:Ms Aniko Nemeth-MoraDirector and Chief of Protocol+0164090029 (Penang, MAS until July 8, 2011)[email protected]

Executive Board Meeting in Penang

After the Committee Meetings, the IWF Executive Board held its scheduled Meeting in Penang, Malaysia at the Hotel Equatorial.Among other items, the Executive Board accepted the affiliation of 2 new countries: Botswana and Curacao. The Executive Board will propose them for ratification as new members of the IWF to the Congress to be held tomorrow 29 June.In his capacity of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation’s President and Member of the Board, H.E. Marcus Stephen, President of the Republic of Nauru also attended the

IWF Committee Meetings in Penang, Malaysia

  The 3 IWF Committees held their meeting yesterday in Penang, Malaysia right before the Junior World Championships starting on 30th June. Technical Committee Among several items of the Technical Committee's agenda, a short study on the introduction minimum standards for weightlifting was discussed. The Technical Committee gave an update of: the weightlifting clothing the electronic change of weights standards for the platform and for barbells review of technical and competition rules The Committee will proudly publish a Technical Officials' instruction presentation & guidebook. Coaching & Research Committee The main task of the Meeting was to discuss the preparation and action plan for the Club Coach Manuel Level 2. The Manual will be ready before the World Weightlifting Championships 2011 to be held in Paris, France. Among others, one of the most important issues was the elaboration of a protocol "how to implement the Coaching Manual Level 1 and how to utilize it through Coaching Courses. Medical Committee The IWF Medical committee discussed during its meeting in Penang topics related to the organisation and the participants of competitions. The Committee defined the minimum standards such as medical and equipment for efficient first aid during competitions. Further to this issue, a discussion was started in regard to instant pain relief possibilities for competition injuries, and a study on osteoporosis in light of the weightlifting sport was presented. Among others important issues, the proposed modifications of the 2012 WADA Code was underlined. The IWF would like to thank the Committee Members for their great contribution!

Whereabouts and Membership Fee Reminder

Every IWF NF shall submit their national team athletes' whereabouts through the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). Countries not submitting whereabouts info on ADAMS will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming Junior World Championships Penang, Malaysia. According to the IWF Constitution, the Annual Membership Fee of the IWF was due by the end of January 2011. Please make sure that your National Federation transferred the above amount to the IWF, otherwise the participation of your National Team in the upcoming Junior World Championships Penang, Malaysia will not be