Team Qatar to begin World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships Campaign on Thursday

alt
May 6, 2026
weitlifting
feed type icon
6-May-2026

Team Qatar to begin World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships Campaign on Thursday

Ismailia (Egypt) :  Team Qatar are set to begin their campaign tomorrow (Thursday) at the World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, currently taking place in the Egyptian city of Ismailia with the participation of 270 male and female lifters representing 53 countries.

Qatar’s Nader Mohammed Bakr will compete in the 94kg category against a strong field of international lifters, while teammate Fares Ahmed Jaber will take part in two events: the Under-20 110kg category and the Under-17 +94kg category.

The Qatari team enter the championships aiming to achieve a new milestone at the age-group level and contend for medals, following an intensive preparation program that included an overseas training camp to enhance technical and physical readiness.

On the sidelines of the championships, Ismailia also hosted the Executive Board meeting of the International Weightlifting Federation, where officials discussed several strategic issues concerning the future of the sport, including the qualification system for the upcoming Olympic Games, updates to technical regulations, integrity and transparency standards, and mechanisms to support host nations and strengthen organizational capabilities.

The meeting was attended by HE Mohammed Yousef Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, President of the Qatar and Arab Weightlifting Federations, and Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation. Al Mana reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the development of weightlifting at both the international and Arab levels and strengthening the sport’s global presence, particularly during a period of major transformation within the discipline.

In a press statement, Al Mana said the meeting addressed several important topics, most notably the Olympic qualification system and the development of officiating, describing them as important steps toward a more transparent and balanced future for the sport through continued cooperation between international, continental, and national federations.

He added that the Qatar federation places significant emphasis on developing young lifters through integrated preparation programs that provide international exposure and competitive experience, helping to build a generation capable of competing at the highest levels. He stressed that investing in young talent remains a cornerstone in the development of any sport.

Al Mana also praised the technical and organizational standards of the championships hosted by Egypt, noting that the event reflects the ability of Arab nations to organize major international sporting events with high efficiency and further reinforces Egypt’s status as a global sporting destination.