The President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), Muhammad Jalud Al-Shammari, and the President of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, Muhammad Yusuf Al-Mana, recently met with Erbol Mirzabusinov, the Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting was also attended by Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, Executive Board Member of Asian Weightlifting Federation and President of Bahrain Weightlifting Federation and Gadzi Gadzhiev, Head of the Kazakhstan Weightlifting Federation.
During the productive discussions, the parties reviewed the achievements of Kazakh weightlifters at the recent World Championships in Manama, Bahrain. They also reached an agreement to collaborate closely to further advance the development of weightlifting in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, the potential organization of the Kazakhstan Weightlifting Cup was considered. This competition is envisioned as a platform for discovering new talent and enhancing the national team’s prestige on the international stage.
Key topics discussed included the proposal to increase the number of weight categories for men and women to seven at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. Furthermore, significant emphasis was placed on the importance of combating doping, with all parties underscoring the need to strengthen anti-doping initiatives and programs.
Currently, there are 20,000 weightlifters and 450 coaches in Kazakhstan. The efforts of specialized sports schools for talented youth and Olympic reserve training centers across the regions are yielding positive results,” stated Erbol Mirzabusinov.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to reinforce mutual cooperation, actively promote weightlifting in Kazakhstan, and create expanded opportunities for athletes engaged in the sport.
