A perfect ‘gift’ for the World Weightlifting Day: the first-ever Weightlifting Museum in the world opens in China

The IWF couldn’t have received a better “gift” on World Weightlifting Day! On October 16, the IWF President Mohammed Jalood was in Shilong Town (Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China) to inaugurate the first-ever museum consecrated to our Sport.

Opening of the Museum in Shilong

With the local authorities – namely Mr Zhou Jinqiang, Vice-President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and President of China’s Weightlifting Association -, Mr Jalood had the opportunity to visit the facility and congratulate all those responsible for its construction.

IWF President Mohammed Jalood and Chinese Weightlifting Association President Zhou Jinqiang

“Today it’s a special day for the Weightlifting family in the five continents, as we celebrate the inaugural World Weightlifting Day. This comes exactly one year after the historic decision from the IOC, on October 16, 2023 to confirm the inclusion of our Sport in the programme of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” considered the IWF President.

“And to culminate these celebrations, I have the pleasure to be here today and to inaugurate the first museum in the world devoted to weightlifting. We couldn’t find a better occasion to do it! It is an amazing concept and structure, which is surely promoting in the best possible way the extraordinary performances and successful tradition of the Chinese athletes,” continued Mr Jalood.

After being declared officially open by Mr Zhou, the Museum was then visited by all the dignitaries. “This is a very important tool to preserve the history and heritage of our beautiful Sport. At the same time, it will facilitate additional sports exchanges between China and the rest of the world,” concluded the IWF President.

At the Shilong Sports School

Soon after this ceremony, Mr Jalood had the occasion to visit the Shilong Sports School and meet all the young lifters training there.   

IWF Communications