Doha Hosts Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships Amid Widespread Acclaim

Doha has been widely praised for its exceptional organization of the ongoing Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, solidifying Qatar’s position as a global hub for sports events. The championship has drawn commendations from key figures in the weightlifting community for its high standards of organization and its role in fostering the sport across the region.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, President of the Saudi Weightlifting Federation and Secretary-General of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, lauded Qatar’s efforts in promoting weightlifting on international, continental, and regional levels. Speaking to the media, Al Harbi highlighted Doha’s reputation as a premier destination for hosting world-class sporting events, not only in weightlifting but across multiple disciplines.

“Doha’s exceptional capabilities in organizing major championships are evident in the ongoing Asian Championship, where we’ve seen male and female weightlifters breaking world and Asian records in the early stages of the competition,” said Al Harbi.

He also noted Saudi Arabia’s success in hosting the World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh in 2023, which served as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Al Harbi expressed gratitude to the Asian Weightlifting Federation’s executive office for supporting Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the International Weightlifting Federation’s electoral congress in May 2025.

Global Recognition for Qatar’s Contributions

Qatar’s contributions to the sport were further recognized by Alexandru Padure, President of the Romanian Weightlifting Federation and a member of the European Weightlifting Federation’s executive office. Padure presented a commemorative shield to Mohamed Yousef Al Mana, President of the Qatari, Arab, Asian, and Afro-Asian weightlifting federations, acknowledging his efforts to elevate the sport to international prominence.

Padure expressed his delight at witnessing the championship in Doha, praising the event’s organization and the level of competition displayed by participating athletes. He also emphasized the strong cooperative relationship between the Qatari and Romanian weightlifting federations, marked by training camps and knowledge exchanges.

Regional Support and Collaboration

Ishaq Ibrahim Ishaq, President of the Bahrain Weightlifting Federation, echoed these sentiments, applauding Qatar’s hospitality and logistical arrangements. He highlighted the convenience provided to delegations by housing participants and the championship in the same facility. Ishaq also acknowledged Qatar’s support in helping Bahrain successfully host its first senior-level World Weightlifting Championships in Manama recently.

As the championship continues, Qatar’s expertise in hosting international sports events and its commitment to advancing weightlifting remain in the global spotlight, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in the world of sports.