Author: ewfAdmin

After eight days of intense and exciting competition, the 2025 European Junior & U23 Weightlifting Championships have come to a successful close in Durres, Albania.This year’s event stood out for its remarkable level of performance — in every junior weight category, at least one European record was broken. The competition even saw a world records achieved by Albania’s Enkileda Carja, who, competing in the Women’s 63 kg Junior category, set new European records in all three lifts (snatch, clean & jerk, and total), as well as a world record in the clean & jerk and total.RESULTSThese outstanding results demonstrate not only…

It is with deep sadness that EWF inform you of the passing of Taisto Elis Kullervo “Tate” Kuoppala, a widely respected figure within the international weightlifting community. Taisto passed away peacefully at his home in Kitee, Finland, on 6 November 2025, surrounded by his wife and son.Shortly after serving as an International Technical Official at the European Championships in Sofia, Taisto was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He faced the illness with remarkable dignity, strength, and calmness—qualities that reflected the way he lived and served throughout his life.Taisto KuoppalaBorn 25 September 1949 in Tampere, FinlandClub: Tampereen Pyrintö (since 1966)Education: Bachelor of Science…

The EWF Executive Board convened in Durrës, Albania, on 2 November 2025, to deliberate on key updates and strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the development of weightlifting across Europe. Several significant decisions were adopted during the session. Updates from the EWF Athletes Commission EWF Executive Board members were informed about the results of the recent EWF Athletes Commission (EWF AC) decisions. Ivona Gavran (CRO) was elected as the new EWF AC Chairperson, and Despina Polaktsidou (GRE) as EWF AC Secretary. Both were introduced to the Executive Board, expressing their enthusiasm for close cooperation with the EWF community to further develop…

With drums, dance, a packed arena, and the inspiring motto “From Albania to Europe – We Bring Heart to the Platform,” the 2025 EWF European Junior & U23 Championships were officially opened last night in the Adriatic coastal city of Durrës.The week-long event, taking place from 28 October to 4 November at the Ramazan Njala Sports Palace, brings together the finest Junior and U23 weightlifters from across Europe.Distinguished guests attended the ceremony and presented awards, including Minister of Agriculture Andis Salla, Deputy Minister of Sport Endrit Hoxha, Albanian NOC President Fidel Ylli, and triple Olympic champion and IWF Executive Board…

Founded in December 2019, Føroya Styrkisamband (FSS) moved from idea to impact in record time: Nordic recognition in 2022, medals in 2022–2023, hosting the Nordic Championships in 2024, and confirmation soon after that Faroese lifters could line up at U23 and U15 European events.  For the islands—just over 55,000 people—this isn’t only about results. It’s about building a pathway for young and senior athletes, giving them a flag to compete under, and proving that a well-run structure can unlock genuine progress. Today we speak with Niels Áki Mørk (23), a Faroese lifter and federation co-ordinator based in Copenhagen, who started weightlifting in…

The San Marino Cup “Trofeo Marino Ercolani Casadei” took place on 11th October 2025 with more than 60 athletes from several European countries and regions of Italy, confirming the event’s steady growth and its role on the weightlifting calendar. The San Marino Weightlifting Federation delivered an efficiently run competition noted for organization and hospitality. The program featured the return of Belen Giacomone after a year of maternity leave, personal bests from Marco Cupi and Cecilia Basaglia, and confident performances by emerging athletes Davide and Greta Muccioli.San Marino Federation President Danilo Bulzoni stated: “Participation from multiple European countries shows this memorial…

The International Coach Licence (ICL) Coach Education & Development Pathway 2025–2028 Webinar was successfully conducted with the participation of 89 attendees from across the international weightlifting community.The webinar was formally opened with welcoming addresses by IWF President Mohamed Jaloud, EWF President Dr. Astrit Hasani, and Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation President Kamran Nabizade.Organized by the European Weightlifting Olympic Academy, headquartered in Baku, this event marked the inaugural activity of the newly established Academy. Its launch represents a significant step in the continuing efforts to enhance education, professional development, and the overall promotion of weightlifting worldwide.The creation of the Academy follows a period…

The IWF is pleased to announce that the IOC Executive Board approved today the inclusion of two additional bodyweight categories (one for men and one for women) in the programme of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.This significant and important decision follows the recommendation of the Olympic Programme Commission and the request of our International Federation. Moreover, the quota of 120 lifters (60 men and 60 women) remains unchanged – these athletes will therefore compete in 12 bodyweight categories (six per gender), with a total of 10 weightlifters per event. Finally, these two additional categories will be incorporated in the…

The European Weightlifting Federation is pleased to invite coaches from all EWF Member Federations to participate in a free online education seminar, organized by the European Weightlifting Olympic Academy based in Azerbaijan. The seminar will take place on 22 September 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan.Webinar Details Date: 22 September 2025 Time: 16:30 – 19:45 CETTopics to be Covered:IWF By-LawsICL Pathway within the IWF Development ProgramICL / CRC Education ProgramAnti-Doping: 11 ADRVs, Testing & Athletes’ RightsCommon Injuries Associated with WeightliftingTechnical Competition Rules & Regulations (Athlete’s Card, Marshal’s Table, Challenge Card, TCRRs)Application forms must be submitted no later than 15 September 2025 at 17:00 CET…

Gdańsk’s MKS Atleta Hall was the stage for the 30th Waldemar Malak Memorial, held in honor of Poland’s 1992 Olympic bronze medalist. The anniversary edition brought together leading weightlifters from Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland, with top European Weightlifting Federation officials also in attendance. Notable guests included EWF President Dr. Astrit Hassani, General Secretary Dr. Milan Mihajlović, First Vice President Tina Beiter, and board members Dušan Kovač and Tomáš Chovanec. The Polish Weightlifting Federation was represented by President Zdzisław Zołopa, Vice-President Mariusz Jędra, and tournament director Lech Łabudda, whose hospitality, alongside the Atleta club, earned high…