After a break of three decades, the Balkan Weightlifting Championships were successfully reintroduced at the beginning of December in Durrës, Albania, fully aligned with all IWF standards.
On 1 December, the Executive Board Meeting and the Regular Congress of the Balkan Weightlifting Federation were convened. Under the leadership of President Elez Gjoza, the Federation has been revitalized with exceptional enthusiasm and remarkable progress.
The Balkan Championships were held on 2–3 December at the distinguished Grand Blue Fafa Hotel, a hub that has hosted several European and World Championships in recent years. Albania has increasingly become a role model in weightlifting event organization. This year’s Championships welcomed more then 50 athletes representing 8 Balkan nations.
Presented below is the official message from the President of the Balkan Weightlifting Federation and President of Albanian Weightlifting Federation, Mr. Elez Gjoza, to whom EWF extends sincere appreciation and congratulations for the outstanding organization of this year’s event.
The organization of the Balkan Weightlifting Championship after 25 years is an extraordinary achievement and a major success for the sport of weightlifting in general, and especially for the Balkan region. This historic revival marks an important milestone, as our two annual events will significantly increase the number of athletes in each member state and further improve the overall sporting quality. It has long been recognized that the Balkans play an important role within both the EWF and the IWF, and this Championship once again confirms that contribution.
The establishment of the Balkan Weightlifting Federation represents a major step forward, strengthening cooperation, harmony, and friendship among the countries of our region. For me, as President of the Balkan Federation, this has been a vision and a dream that became reality thanks to the contribution and support of the President of the International Weightlifting Federation, Mr. Mohammed Jalood, the European Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Astrit Hasani, and the President of the Albanian Olympic Committee, Mr. Fidel Ylli.
I would also like to express a special and sincere thank you to the EWF Secretary General, Mr. Milan Mihajlović, who honored us with his presence at the Championship and was always ready to assist us with his valuable experience and continuous support. His contribution was deeply appreciated by all of us.
I want to assure you that the Balkan Federation will operate with full transparency regarding all funds received from marketing, the IWF, and the EWF. We are guided by a clear development strategy and will organize numerous promotional activities to ensure that, in a short period of time, Balkan athletes will set the tone for weightlifting on the international stage.
One of our core priorities will be the fight against doping. Our objective is for the Balkan Federation to have zero positive cases. For this reason, we will hold seminars and educational programs with experts and lecturers so that our athletes never take anything they do not deserve and always compete with dignity and fairness.
Albania undertook the responsibility of hosting the first Balkan Championship after 25 years and delivered an event of exceptionally high quality. Athletes, coaches, referees, and presidents of the participating countries were impressed by the professionalism of the organization. The most frequently heard comment among participants was:
“This is a world-class event.”
From the impeccable reception at Rinas Airport to the accommodation at the Grand Blue Fafa resort with outstanding room conditions and high-quality food, as well as the modern training hall and competition venue—every detail was executed flawlessly, leaving a very positive impression on all attendees.
Special attention was given to the Doping Control Officers, who at all times had their requirements fully met and left more satisfied than ever before.
During our meeting with the Executive Board, we reached an agreement to hold future championships in countries that need greater promotion, such as North Macedonia. I am confident that participation in upcoming Balkan events will continue to grow even further.
I would like to once again thank all those who helped and contributed to the establishment of the Balkan Weightlifting Federation. I assure you that we will not disappoint you. A special thanks goes to all the athletes, coaches, referees, and of course to our Secretary General, Mr. Nedim Masic, and Vice President, Mr. Talat Unlu. Through our cooperation with the Executive Board, we successfully organized the first Balkan Championship after many years.
In conclusion Mr. Elez Gjoza said:
If we work together and remain united, everything becomes possible—just as the Balkan Championship became a reality.