Jiangshan: The Asian Weightlifting Federation has engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the upcoming Asian Games set for Japan in 2026 and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games scheduled for Saudi Arabia in 2025. This dialogue transpired during a meeting of the Federation's Executive Office in Jiangshan, China, which coincided with the 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships taking place in Jianglang from May 9 to 15.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting was presided over by HE Mohammed bin Yousef Al Mana, who holds positions as First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation, and President of the Qatari, Asian, Arab, and Afro-Asian Weightlifting Federations. The gathering involved notable sports figures from both the Asian and international spheres.
The discussions centered on the continent's key achievements in weightlifting and strategies for advancing the sport within Asia. A focal point was the necessity for coordination among various sports federations to align with the International Weightlifting Federation's standards, ensuring consistency in technical and organizational requirements for the championships. The meeting highlighted the success of Asian countries in international competitions, underscoring Asia's standing as a global competitive hub in weightlifting, for both men and women. Additionally, the meeting reviewed the schedule for forthcoming championships in Asia, outlining the dates and locations of pivotal tournaments designed to identify promising young talent.
The Asian Youth and Junior Championships are slated for Astana, Kazakhstan, from July 4 to 10. Furthermore, weightlifting will feature in the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, reflecting the Federation's efforts to broaden youth engagement in the sport.
The Executive Office also focused on enhancing governance strategies within the Federation and investigating methods to develop technical and administrative programs to support national federations across Asia. HE Al Mana emphasized the notable advancements made in Asian weightlifting, highlighting improvements in technical performance, organizational quality, and participant numbers. He remarked that the meeting was not only a review of past achievements but also a strategic session for planning the sport's future trajectory.