Doha, Qatar is set to become a central hub for weightlifting governance and development as it hosts the Executive Office Meeting and subsequent electoral meeting of the Arab Weightlifting Federation (AWF) this Sunday. The meetings will take place alongside the Qatar Weightlifting Federation’s (QWF) hosting of three major championships running through December 27, 2025, including the 10th Qatar International Cup. This gathering signifies Qatar’s growing prominence in international sports administration and its commitment to fostering athletic excellence in the region.
The events, taking place in Doha, will bring together representatives from across the Arab world to discuss the future of the sport. The QWF is simultaneously hosting the Arab Championships for youth, juniors, and seniors, as well as the West Asia Championships for the same age groups, creating a concentrated period of competition and collaboration.
Qatar Hosts Key Arab Weightlifting Federation Meetings
The Executive Office Meeting will focus on a comprehensive review of the AWF’s recent activities and future strategies. Discussions will center on reports from coaching and organizational committees, assessing the effectiveness of current developmental programs, and evaluating the success of previously held Arab championships. Identifying areas for improvement in both coaching and administrative processes will be a key priority.
Additionally, the AWF will address plans to broaden participation in weightlifting from Arab nations. This includes providing support to national federations in areas like coaching development and organizational capacity building. The federation also aims to strengthen talent identification and nurturing programs to cultivate the next generation of Arab weightlifters.
Expanding International Collaboration
A significant component of the AWF’s strategy involves deepening collaboration with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and other relevant sports organizations. This collaboration is intended to elevate the standard of coaching for Arab athletes and enhance their competitiveness on the continental and global stages. The goal is to ensure Arab weightlifters have the resources and training necessary to succeed.
Following the Executive Office Meeting, the AWF will hold its electoral meeting, presided over by HE Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mannai. This meeting will determine the new Board of Directors responsible for guiding the federation through its next phase of development. The election process is expected to adhere to the AWF’s statutes and regulations, ensuring a transparent and democratic outcome.
The election is anticipated to be competitive, with numerous candidates vying for positions on the Board. This reflects a widespread desire to continue the progress made in weightlifting across the Arab region and to further enhance its reputation within the international sports community. Recent successes by Arab athletes in major championships have fueled these ambitions.
The focus on youth and junior development, evident in the concurrent championships, underscores a long-term vision for the sport. Investing in these age groups is seen as crucial for sustained success and for building a robust pipeline of talent. This approach aligns with broader trends in international sports development.
The QWF’s ability to host multiple international events simultaneously highlights Qatar’s infrastructure and organizational capabilities. This positions the country as a preferred destination for sporting events and demonstrates its commitment to supporting the growth of athletic competition. The successful execution of these championships will likely attract further bids for future events.
Looking ahead, the newly elected Board of Directors will be tasked with implementing the strategies discussed during the Executive Office Meeting. Key performance indicators and timelines for achieving these goals are expected to be established in the coming months. The effectiveness of these initiatives will be closely monitored by member federations and the IWF. The next major deadline will be the implementation of the approved plans by the end of the first quarter of 2026, and the impact on Arab athletes’ performance at the Asian Games remains a key area to watch.
