Tashkent, Uzbekistan – January 26, 2026
The Asian weightlifting community warmly congratulates Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during the 46th OCA General Assembly, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
H.E. Sheikh Joaan becomes the 22nd President of the OCA, assuming leadership under the vision “Together for Asia” which emphasizes unity, development, good governance, sustainability, and the promotion of sport as a universal language of peace and cooperation across the continent.
The General Assembly brought together representatives of 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, and was attended by H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, underlining the importance of the event for Asian sport.
The Asian weightlifting leadership was actively represented at the Assembly, including Mohammed Hassan Jalood, President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF); Mohamed Yousef Al Mana, President of the Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF); Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, AWF General Secretary; and Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, AWF Executive Board Member.
During the Assembly, IWF President Mohammed Hassan Jalood held an official meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, focusing on the development of weightlifting in the country and across Asia, as well as Uzbekistan’s growing role in hosting major international competitions. Discussions included preparations for the IWF Olympic Qualification Event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Tashkent in 2027.
In addition, AWF Executive Board Member Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq presented a proposal to introduce separate medal awards for the Snatch and the Clean & Jerk at the Aichi – Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, aiming to enhance fairness, inclusivity, and spectator engagement in weightlifting competitions.
The Asian weightlifting family expresses its full support for the new OCA President and looks forward to continued cooperation in strengthening sport development and unity throughout Asia.
