Doha: The Executive Bureau of the Arab Weightlifting Federation held its first meeting in Doha, chaired by HE Mohammed bin Youssef Al Manna, following his re-election as President of the Federation for a new term from 2025 to 2029.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting marked a significant start to the new electoral cycle, focusing on enhancing the position of Arab weightlifting both continentally and internationally. The meeting was attended by Vice Presidents Saudi Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Kuwaiti Talal Al Jassar, Yemeni Abdullah Al Jarmal, Algerian Kamal Saeedi, and Egyptian Mohammed Abdelmaqsood, along with Executive Bureau members Iraqi Mohammed Kazem Al Mazal, Moroccan Abdelilah Laarache, Libyan Abdulrahman Al Jatlawy, and Libyan Khaled Al Muhallal, President of the African Weightlifting Federation. Joining via video conference were Bahraini Ishaq Ibrahim Ishaq, Syrian Dr. Basel Al Ibrahim, and Moroccan Khaled Al Wadiya.
HE Al Manna welcomed the Executive Bureau members, extending gratitude to the Arab federations for their renewed trust. He highlighted that Arab leaderships have gained significant stature globally, with around 20 percent holding international roles and influencing decision-making processes.
Al Manna emphasized that Arab championships serve as platforms for unity and solidarity beyond competition. He expressed his satisfaction with the Arab gathering through the organization of three combined championships: the 10th Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship, and the West Asia Championship.
The Executive Bureau addressed several organizational topics, including the renewal of confidence in Iraqi Mohammed Hassan Jaloud Al Shammari, President of the International Weightlifting Federation, as Secretary General for the coming period. The proposal to appoint Khader Maqlad as Assistant Secretary General was also approved.
The meeting included a vote on the formation of various committees. The Technical Committee, chaired by Bahraini Ali Abdullah Yahya and deputized by Emirati Hamad Al Ajmi, comprises Egyptian Alaa Hassan Kamel, Syrian Hassanein Al Sheikh, Omani Ayadh Al Mundhiri, Algerian Sofiane Kirawan, and Jordanian Ibrahim Al Amiyan.
The Athletes' Committee, chaired by Qatari Khaled Nabeena, includes members Yemeni Mohammed Al Hasbani, Libyan Mohammed Shtewi, Saudi Mansour Al Saleem, and Jordanian Farah Al Khawalidah.
The Development Committee is led by Qatari Jassim Ibrahim Al Mansouri, with members Egyptian Ahmed Samir, Moroccan Nour Eddine Bourqba, Saudi Hasnaa Al Najm, and Libyan Osama Qanaw.
The Scientific, Research, and Training Committee is headed by Iraqi Mustafa Saleh Mahdi, with Yemeni Muneer Al Din Hamoud as deputy chairman. Members include Saudi Jaafar Mohammed Al Baqer, Libyan Najwa Abdulsami', Moroccan Samira Aouass, Algerian Dashri Hamid, and Egyptian Mohammed Samir.
The Medical Committee, chaired by Lebanese Siza Shubnian, features Saudi Saeed Mansour Al Dahan, Kuwaiti Reem Habbab Al Rashidi, Libyan Adel Al Qadi, Egyptian Magdy Mostafa Ahmed, and Jordanian Haitham Al Hayajneh.
Saudi Ahmed Al Omari chairs the Ethics Committee, with members Yemeni Fawaz Moqbel, Kuwaiti Fares Al Nowamis, Egyptian Mohammed Hamed, and Jordanian Omar Al Atiyat.
The Women's Committee is led by Algerian Safia Kouri and includes Jordanian Manal Al Hammad, Moroccan Fatima Zahra Khalfadir, Saudi Al Rabab Hussein, and Egyptian Engy El Sayed Mahmoud.
The Marketing Committee is chaired by Tunisian Aref Al Brini, with members Yemeni Abdulkhaleq Al Khamees, Jordanian Nora Al Louzi, Egyptian Mostafa Ragheb, and Saudi Abdulaziz Al Salmi.
Finally, the Media Committee is headed by Egyptian Sherif Hanafy, including Iraqi Hossam Hassan, Libyan Essam Drawail, Saudi Mohammed Al Musaed, and Kuwaiti Mousa Mubarak.
HE Al Manna honored several sports federation leaders for their contributions to the development of weightlifting at both continental and international levels. This recognition underscores Al Manna's commitment to appreciating the efforts of Arab and international sports leaders, fostering collaboration, and advancing the sport across various arenas.