WEIGHTLIFTING – BAHRAIN has been praised for the highest standards of excellence – that will most probably be difficult to match – in its organisation of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships 2024.
This was the message last night of IWF president Mohammed Jalood, who was speaking at the glittering opening ceremony for this year’s edition of the prestigious competition, being hosted by the kingdom for the first time.
Weightlifting stakeholders representing more than 150 countries from around the world attended yesterday’s inauguration, held at Bahrain National Theatre and setting the stage for today’s start of action.
His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa graced the event, along with Jalood, Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) secretary general Faris Al Kooheji, Bahrain Weightlifting Federation president Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, high-ranking officials from the kingdom’s sporting bodies and the IWF, and dignitaries from national Olympic committees and national weightlifting federations of the participating countries.
“The opening was fantastic, and all the countries are very happy to be here,” Jalood, from Iraq, told the GDN.
“The organisation has been very smooth – from obtaining a visa to our accommodations and to the welcome we receive at the airport, the equipment, and the preparations – all are at a very high standard.
“Any country hosting the world championships next year will suffer because it will surely be a problem to organise an event at this level.
“I am proud, as an Arab, that this competition in Bahrain is different from what has been done in the past in weightlifting.”
Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser said that the IWF World Championships 2024 marks a significant milestone for Bahrain, as it hosts this prestigious competition for the first time.
He highlighted that the event underscores Bahrain’s commitment to becoming a global hub for sports, reflecting the vision and support of His Majesty.
Shaikh Nasser emphasised that hosting the world championships is a pivotal opportunity to reinforce Bahrain’s reputation as a leader in the sports arena.
“This event showcases the sustainability of our achievements in hosting international competitions, further establishing Bahrain as the capital of sports,” Shaikh Nasser stated.
Three-time Olympic gold-medallist and seven-time world champion Lasha Talakhadze from Georgia, highly regarded as the world’s strongest man, took part in the evening’s programme in a delightful skit that showcased the kingdom’s rich culture and heritage.
Legendary strongman and four-time Guinness World Record holder Sergey Tsyrulnikov from Kazakhstan also put on a show of his immense physical strength.
“The opening ceremony was amazing,” IWF general secretary and treasurer Antonio Urso said. “There was really great technology used and the show was fantastic, including the history and tradition of Bahrain.
“I really appreciated it and the feedback from the people was really positive.”
Al Kooheji expressed his deepest thanks to Shaikh Nasser and SCYS first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman, and BOC president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for their unwavering support for the IWF World Championships, which are being held under Shaikh Nasser’s patronage.
“All thanks to His Highness Shaikh Nasser for his generous patronage and his attendance to the opening ceremony,” Al Kooheji told the GDN. “The main reason for the success of this event is His Highness Shaikh Khalid’s follow-up the entire time leading up to tonight’s opening, making sure that the organising committee has everything they need – the financial support, government support, and logistical support.”
Nearly 500 athletes representing more than 90 countries from around the world are taking part in the world championships. They will be vying for glory in 20 competitions.
Aside from the lifters, officials from a record 158 national federations have travelled to Bahrain to be a part of the IWF Ordinary Congress 2024, which was held on Wednesday.
“We are very happy to have a huge attendance for the world championships,” Al Kooheji added. “Usually, right after an Olympic Games, attendance is not that high, but this time the lifers heard very good things about Bahrain and wanted to come.
“We are also delighted that the IWF Ordinary Congress brought together more than 150 federations.”
Jalood commented: “The weightlifting family is proud to have allocated the IWF World Championships 2024 to Bahrain. It is a big challenge for a federation that has never organised a world championship before, but Bahrain accepted this challenge, and in the end, the result has been excellent.
“We also adopted a new constitution and new by-laws during our congress, and in the future, when we talk about these, we must mention Bahrain.”
The officials added that they expect many world records to be broken in Bahrain over the coming days.
“Maybe over 20 world records will be broken here, starting from tomorrow,” said Jalood. “The competition will be at a very high level. A majority of our Olympic champions in Paris are here, and all the lifters have prepared very well.”
Al Kooheji commented: “The lifters will be looking to break several world records in Bahrain. They will be more willing to take risks – we’re done with the Olympic Games this year, and if they didn’t get a medal then, they would want to solidify their names in the sport as a record-breaker.”
Meanwhile, the event’s media committee announced yesterday the commencement of media cards distribution.
Registered media representatives began collecting their cards from yesterday and continue to do so today from 3.30pm to 9.30pm. The distribution will take place at the media centre, located at the world championships venue across Bahrain National Museum.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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