On August 30, Tehran hosted a high-level visit by Mohammed Jaloud, President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), and Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, President of the Bahrain Weightlifting Federation and Executive Board Member of the Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF). The working mission was marked by strategic dialogue, cultural exchange, and direct engagement with athletes and technical experts, reflecting a shared vision for strengthening regional cooperation within the sport.
The day began with a visit to the Museum of the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee of Iran, followed by a meeting with Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa, President of the Iranian National Olympic Committee. Discussions focused on Olympic development, sports diplomacy, and regional coordination under the umbrella of the Olympic movement.
Later, both presidents participated in a press conference, where they addressed questions from Iranian media on a range of topics including the expansion of women’s weightlifting, anti-doping strategies, and the future direction of the sport in West Asia. Jaloud reaffirmed the IWF’s commitment to clean sport and transparency, emphasizing the federation’s evolving partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA).
In a subsequent meeting with Dr. Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Minister of Sports, the delegation discussed structural reforms and long-term strategies to advance weightlifting at the grassroots and elite levels. Topics included infrastructure, youth development, and Iran’s potential role in hosting more continental and global events.
A significant portion of the visit was dedicated to direct interaction with the weightlifting community. The delegation observed Iran’s men’s national team during their training session, highlighting the country’s technical capacity and continued investment in athlete development.
The visit also featured the unveiling of two oral history books, part of Iran’s initiative to document and celebrate its weightlifting heritage. The books, titled “The Captain” (focused on Houshang Karegarnejad) and “Kourosh of Kermanshah” (dedicated to Kourosh Bagheri), were presented in the presence of legendary Iranian lifters including Hossein Rezazadeh, Hossein Tavakkoli, and Seyed Kamal Mousavi, along with federation officials Sajad Anoushiravani and Vahid Rabiei. The Iranian Weightlifting Federation has committed to publishing two new volumes every month, contributing to the preservation of cultural and sporting memory.
Of particular significance was the delegation’s engagement with Iran’s women’s national team. Jaloud and Eshaq praised the team at the conclusion of their training session, describing their recent development as “remarkable.” Since officially entering international competitions in 2019, Iranian women lifters have shown consistent growth, earning medals at youth and junior levels across Asia.
The delegation then toured the Iranian Weightlifting Federation’s competition, training, and administrative facilities, including the dormitories and offices. A focal point of this segment was a demonstration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in weightlifting — including motion analysis, injury prevention modeling, and load management — presented by Dr. Anoushiravani and his team. This technology underscores Iran’s effort to align with global performance innovation trends.
The day concluded with a formal dinner reception, capping off a visit that combined institutional diplomacy, athlete recognition, and technological exchange.
The Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) expressed its sincere appreciation to the Iranian Weightlifting Federation and its President Sajad Anoushiravani for their warm hospitality, professionalism, and dedication in hosting this important visit.
For the broader Asian weightlifting community, this visit demonstrates a multi-dimensional model of engagement — where cultural heritage, modern science, and gender equity converge to define the future of the sport. As weightlifting continues its evolution on the path to Paris 2024 and beyond, such visits are more than ceremonial — they are strategic affirmations of collaboration, investment, and shared standards across the continent.
