In a resounding affirmation of leadership and innovation in sports, Mohammed Jalood, the president of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), has been awarded the coveted Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award. Recognized in the category of “Arab Administrator,” Mr. Jalood was celebrated for his impactful contributions to the sport, in a ceremony that underscores the UAE’s commitment to honoring sports development on a local and global scale.
At the helm of the IWF since June 2022, Mr. Jalood has been the architect behind a sweeping reform within the federation, emphasizing the pillars of governance, athlete welfare, and anti-doping regulations.
The reforms spearheaded by Mr. Jalood have resonated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which, at its session in Mumbai, recognized weightlifting’s positive trajectory by confirming its inclusion in the Olympic program for Los Angeles 2028. This recognition marks a significant milestone for the IWF, reaffirming the sport’s historical significance and the efficacy of its recent transformation.
Commenting on this fair and well-deserved prize, the IWF President stated: “Despite being given to me, this award is a collective victory for the IWF. With my colleagues in the Executive Board, but also with the entire weightlifting family in the five continents, we have worked very hard to reshape our Federation and restore its reputation. We are definitively in the right direction”. Mr Jalood then concluded by saying that “even if this is a time to celebrate, we should remain always attentive to the fact that this renovation effort must be our driving force in the years to come”.
The European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Mohammed Jalood for being honored with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award. The EWF praises Mr. Jalood’s leadership and his significant role in propelling the sport forward, a contribution that has rightfully earned him this prestigious global recognition.