UAE weightlifting team joined the International Weightlifting Federation Congress and Asian Championships currently taking place in India.
AHMEDABAD: The UAE, represented by the Emirates Weightlifting Federation, participated in the International Weightlifting Federation Congress held in Ahmedabad, India, alongside the ongoing Asian Weightlifting Championships.
The event brings together officials, athletes and federation representatives from across Asia to discuss the future of the sport while hosting some of the continent’s top weightlifting competitions. The championships continue until 17 May.
The UAE weightlifting team is competing with athletes Moayad Al Najjar, Zahra Al Hashemi and Ezzeddine Al Ghafri. The federation delegation attending the congress included Shaikha Al Kaabi, Board Member and Head of Delegation, along with Rashid Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Board Member of the federation.
According to Shaikha Al Kaabi, the congress focused on several important topics including voting on proposed amendments to the constitution of the Asian Weightlifting Federation. Delegates also reviewed administrative and technical reports and discussed organisational matters related to future regional championships and sporting activities.
During the congress, member federations approved South Korea as the host country for the 2027 Asian Weightlifting Championships scheduled for June 2027.
On the competition side, athlete Zahra Al Hashemi opened the UAE’s participation in the women’s 53kg category and finished in eighth place after competing against athletes from across Asia.
The UAE team is set to continue competing later this week with Ezzeddine Al Ghafri participating in the 110kg category, while Moayad Al Najjar will compete in the over-110kg division. Officials expressed optimism about the athletes’ chances despite strong competition from leading regional lifters.
The participation reflects the UAE’s continued efforts to strengthen its presence in international sports and support the development of national athletes across different competitions and categories.
