It all began on June 11, 2023, in Havana, Cuba, when the IWF Executive Board voted to bring the 2024 World Weightlifting Championships to Bahrain. However, the foundations of this success were laid long before. Taking over the presidency of the Bahrain Weightlifting Federation, Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq built a medal-winning program from scratch, culminating in Olympic, World, and Asian medals and records. The 2022 Asian Senior Championships, also hosted in Bahrain, signaled the country’s potential for hosting events on a global scale.
A Historic Event Under Royal Patronage
The 2024 World Weightlifting Championships, held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, brought together the best in the sport. Over ten days of competition, 473 athletes from 92 countries competed in 48 sessions. The event set 29 new senior and junior world records, highlighting the remarkable achievements of athletes from around the globe.
The Opening Ceremony, led by Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq and IWF President Mohamed Jalood, took place at the Bahrain National Theater, with a distinguished audience that included IOC members, National Olympic Committee representatives, diplomats, and IWF Congress delegates. The presence of HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa underscored the national importance of the event.
The highlight of the ceremony was a theatrical performance by Georgian weightlifting legend Lasha Talakhadze, who narrated Bahrain’s history and celebrated its resilient spirit. The evening concluded with a gala dinner hosted by the Bahrain Olympic Committee, demonstrating the country’s renowned hospitality.
An Impressive Venue and Flawless Logistics
The competition venue, constructed over several months, met all the necessary standards. Conveniently located near hotels, it provided state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and officials. The equipment was of the highest quality, ensuring optimal performance conditions.
Transportation, often a logistical challenge at large events, was seamless. A continuous transport service ensured that athletes, officials, and spectators moved effortlessly between venues and accommodations.
IWF President Mohamed Jalood added:
“The level of organization and commitment shown by Bahrain has set a new standard. This championship is a model for how weightlifting events should be organized.”
Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq praised the collective efforts, saying:
“This event was a testament to what Bahrain can achieve when we come together with a shared vision. From the venue to the transportation, everything was designed to ensure the best experience for everyone involved.”
Asia Leads the Medal Count
Asian athletes shone brightly in Manama, claiming 129 medals, the highest tally of any continent. AWF President Mohamed Yousef Al Mana expressed his pride:
“This championship was a great moment for Asia, and the results speak for themselves. Bahrain has proven its capability to host events of this magnitude with excellence.”
AWF General Secretary Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi remarked:
“The success of this championship reflects the hard work and passion of the organizers. Bahrain has shown what’s possible in weightlifting, and Asia’s success here is a proud moment for us all.”
The Asian teams that made it to the top 10 in the Women’s Team Classification at the 2024 IWF World Weightlifting Championships are as follows:
- PRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) – Ranked 1st with a total of 776 points,
- CHN (China) – Ranked 2nd with 713 points,
- TPE (Chinese Taipei) – Secured 4th place with 440 points.
- KOR (South Korea) – Achieved 7th place with 398 points.
- KAZ (Kazakhstan) – Ranked 10th with 227 points
The Asian teams that made it to the top 10 in the Men’s Team Classification at the 2024 IWF World Weightlifting Championships are as follows:
- CHN (China) – Ranked 1st with a total of 566 pointS
- IRI (Iran) – Ranked 2nd with 560 points
- PRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) – Ranked 3rd with 495 points
- KAZ (Kazakhstan) – Secured 5th place with 448 points
- KOR (South Korea) – Achieved 6th place with 393 points
Global Acclaim
Praise for Bahrain’s organization came from every corner of the weightlifting world. National federation presidents and technical officials applauded the event’s professionalism and hospitality.
Sam Coffa, a respected figure in weightlifting, shared his thoughts:
“These were the finest championships I’ve ever witnessed. Bahrain excelled in every aspect, from the facilities to the hospitality of its people.”
Horst Sayler echoed this sentiment:
“The friendliness of the volunteers and the seamless organization made Bahrain feel like home for everyone involved. This championship has raised the standard for all future events.”
Meng Bo, Vice President of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, stated:
“This was the best world championship I’ve ever attended. Bahrain has truly created something extraordinary.”
Jose Carlos Quinones president of Pan American Federation stated:
“The 2024 World Championships in Bahrain have exceeded all expectations. The organization, attention to detail, and incredible hospitality have raised the bar for future events. This was an unforgettable experience for all of us in the Pan American region.”
EWF President and GS stated:
“Bahrain’s championship was a milestone for weightlifting. The competition ran flawlessly, with world-class facilities and excellent logistics. The organizers showcased exceptional professionalism and passion, making this a memorable event for the European weightlifting community.”
Through impeccable organization, world-class facilities, and record-breaking performances, Bahrain showcased its ability to host an event of unparalleled excellence. This championship did more than just set a new standard; it united the global weightlifting family in admiration and raised the expectations for what such events can achieve.
On behalf of the Asian Weightlifting Federation and the entire global weightlifting community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bahrain, President Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, and everyone involved in making this historic championship a reality. This event has not only elevated the sport but has also solidified Bahrain’s legacy as a leader in hosting international weightlifting competitions.
The AWF also congratulates all the athletes, coaches, technical officials, and everyone who contributed to the success of this championship.
