Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – July 28, 2025
In a significant step toward the advancement of weightlifting in Asia, the Secretary General of the Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF), Mr. Mohammed Al-Harbi, held an official meeting with the Secretary General of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), Mr. José Quiñones, during his visit to Riyadh.
The meeting focused on outlining strategic priorities and initiatives to accelerate the development of weightlifting across the Asian continent. Both leaders discussed comprehensive plans to enhance the support provided to member federations, emphasizing the importance of capacity-building, infrastructure development, and equitable access to international resources.
Mr. Al-Harbi reaffirmed the AWF’s commitment to working closely with the IWF to create a sustainable and inclusive framework that enables all member countries—especially emerging nations—to benefit from development programs. He also highlighted the diversity of needs across Asia, stressing the importance of tailored approaches based on each country’s context.
Mr. Quiñones expressed the IWF’s firm intention to strengthen continental partnerships, underlining that collaboration with regional federations is essential to achieving the IWF’s vision for global weightlifting. “This meeting reflects our commitment to governance, transparency, and targeted support for national federations that are dedicated to the progress of our sport,” Mr. Quiñones said.
The discussions are part of a broader IWF initiative to ensure that international support is distributed fairly and strategically, reaching nations with genuine potential and need. The aim is to foster long-term growth, competitive balance, and integrity in weightlifting across all continents.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of continuous communication and cooperation. Both Secretaries General agreed to draft a strategic roadmap to operationalize the discussed initiatives and to organize follow-up meetings involving development commissions and key stakeholders from member federations.
This high-level engagement demonstrates the renewed momentum within the international weightlifting community to unite efforts, enhance governance, and promote the values of excellence, fairness, and inclusion across the sport.
