IWF Continental Federations meet to drive forward reform

Presidents and Secretary Generals of the IWF Continental Federations are gathering this weekend in Rome, Italy to discuss plans to accelerate weightlifting’s reform and development around the world.

The annual Intercontinental Meeting is being held for the first time under the sport’s new global leadership, following the election of IWF President Mohammed Jalood and the appointment of IWF Secretary General Antonio Urso in 2022.

Representatives from all five Continental Federations were present as the meeting got underway on Friday, February 10 with a visit to the headquarters of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI.)

CONI President and Member of the International Olympic Committee Giovanni Malagò hosted the 12-person IWF delegation and heard how significant work undertaken since last June’s electoral congress has created the blueprint for step-change cultural and governance reform in the sport.

Mr Malagò praised the new direction as a pathway to a positive future for weightlifting, urging those present to follow the roadmap through the next phase of its implementation.

Discussions will continue on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February, when delegates will also debate and share plans to grow participation and engagement in weightlifting across the five continents.

IWF President Mohammed Jalood said: “The positive and active engagement of our IWF Continental Federations will be crucial to achieving our objectives to shape a new and thriving future for weightlifting on a global scale. Our continental colleagues are the ones driving the majority of development in our sport. We are excited to work together to accelerate the growth of weightlifting in line with the principles and values set out in our revised constitution.”