The President of the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF), Antonio Conflitti has visited Baku at the invitation of the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation (AWF), between September 13 and 16, 2024.
The main purpose of his visit is to strengthen the relationships between the two organizations, solidify friendships, cooperation, and partnership ties, as well as to closely familiarize himself with the country’s weightlifting infrastructure and evaluate the potential for hosting international competitions in the near future and even the establishment of a reference center for didactic activities specific to weightlifting, which will serve not only Azerbaijan, but also the entire continent.
Antonio Conflitti had the opportunity to attend the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Championships held in Shuvelan, where he followed the competition sessions live.
He participated in the opening ceremony of the event and presented together with AWF President Kamran Nabizade and AWF Vice-President Firdovsi Umudov awards to veteran weightlifters, to the youngest ones and to the well-known International Technical Official Vahid Nazarov.
The gesture of the officials was even more appreciated in the context in which the awardees celebrated their birthdays on the same day.
On that same day, the EWF President met with the Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, who informed him about the work being done and the successes achieved in the field of sports in the country. During the meeting, they discussed the developments in the sport of weightlifting nationally, prospects for cooperation with the European Weightlifting Federation and other related matters.
The next day, Antonio Conflitti explored the conditions created at the training base for national weightlifting teams located in the “ASK Arena”; He was informed that this site offers all the facilities necessary for the world’s strongest teams to conduct training camps and is equipped with new and approved equipment.
The accommodation conditions for athletes and coaching staff at the on-site hotel were also showcased to the guest. It was reported that there are all necessary arrangements for training camps, nutrition, relaxation, and recovery, and these resources are actively utilized. Conference halls and other auxiliary rooms for internal and international courses and seminars, as well as large and small football fields, are available for use by athletes and other professionals.
The EWF President expressed his satisfaction with what he observed and stated that all necessary conditions for the development of weightlifting in Azerbaijan have been created.
“I feel happy to see so much involvement and enthusiasm offered to our sport. Weightlifting is a historical sport in Azerbaijan and I am more than convinced that with such conditions, strategy and an extraordinarily involved and supported leadership, the results will continue to be up to par”, stated the EWF President at the end of his visit.