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Pan America has new officials

The Weightlifting Federation of Chile, under the able guidance of President Cristian Harthey Silva, organized the Electoral Congress of the Pan American Weightlifting Federation, 14-17 February 2008. The Congress in Santiago de Chile that convened representatives from 23 countries of the Continent was held in a pleasant environment and at a high standard of hospitality. The presence of the IWF President, Dr. Tamás Aján assured that all procedures went in accordance with the rules of the PWF and the IWF. Delegates expressed their gratitude to the outgoing President, Andres Vargas (PUR) and General Secretary, Jose Herrera (VEN) for their devoted activities.At the top of the new Executive body of the Federation Willian Ozuna (DOM) was elected as President for the next term. The General Secretary is David Montero Gomez (BRA) and the Treasurer is Luis Zambrano Andrade (ECU).Vice-Presidents are: Rafael Pacho Gonzalez (CUB), Andres Vargas (PUR), Kyle Pierce (USA), Eduardo Gonzalez (VEN) and Dr. Rosalio A. Alvarado (MEX).A group photo of the Congress participantsIWF President Dr. Tamás Aján with Pan American officials - President Willian Ozuna on the

IWF President visits Teheran for Namdjou Cup

The new leadership of the Iranian Weightlifting Federation, under the baton of Mr. Bahram Afsharzadeh, an experienced leader and former NOC General Secretary, has set a new line of governance in the country's weightlifting sport. In an attempt to reunite the heros of the past, great champions like Mahmoud Namdjou or Mohamed Nassiri, and the Iranian and international elite of today, they revived the Namdjou Cup and organised its 8th edition in Teheran.In a large-scale event with substantial international participation, competitors enjoy the benefits of a venue built and used specifically and exclusively for weightlifting. Dr. Tamás Aján, IWF President and IOC Member highlighted the competitions with his presence. The IWF President also used his presence in Teheran to visit the office of the Asian Weightlifting Federation General

German victory winds up Beijing Pre-Olympic Event

Just a few weeks after having received his German passport, Matthias STEINER - formerly representing Austria - scored a hands-down victory in the men's superheavyweight category at the Olympic Test Event held in the BUAA Gymnasium, Beijing. Performing in an excellent shape, Steiner was the only one to produce an impressive 423kg total, a result that would have placed him 8th in the 2007 World Ranking List.The host BOCOG and Chinese Weightlifting Association can only be praised for the excellent staging of the"Good Luck Beijing" Invitational Tournament. The venue, the venue management and technical facilities also passed the test with outstanding marks. Of course, minor adjustments need to be done (that was the very purpose of the test), but participants from 14 countries agreed that the Chinese will stage great Games this August and within that we can expect wonderful weightlifting competitions.Matthias STEINER - GER (Randall J. Strossen