After a 44-year absence, the World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships returned to Egypt, and the city of Ismailia rose to the occasion in an impressive fashion.
The event brought together athletes and delegations from 54 countries and was widely praised as a resounding success, both for the quality of competition and the warmth of Egyptian hospitality.
Beyond the medals and records, the championships served as a powerful demonstration of Egypt’s ability to organize major international sporting events to a world-class standard.
The vibrant atmosphere in Ismailia, combined with smooth logistics and genuine hospitality, left a strong impression on visiting delegations and international observers alike.
Mohamed Abdel Maksoud, head of the Organising Committee, attributed the event’s success to strong collaboration between all the parties involved.
“It was the result of a massive team effort,” Abdel Maksoud said.
“From the organising committees and technical staff to the dedicated volunteers, everyone worked together to create a welcoming environment where every guest felt at home,” he said.
Abdel Maksoud expressed deep gratitude to the Egyptian leadership for their unwavering support.
The achievement, he said, belongs to the entire nation and all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
On the competition floor, the Egyptian team delivered historic performances that matched the success of hosting.
Egypt claimed a total of nine world medals, including four golds and five bronzes, signalling the rise of a promising new generation of lifters.
Abdel Rahman Hussein stole the show, winning three gold medals in dominant fashion and energizing the home crowd.
Rahma Ahmed added another gold to the tally. In one of the most memorable moments of the championships, young lifter Ali Abdel-Radi not only secured a bronze medal but also shattered three world records in the under-17 category, a remarkable feat that highlighted the improving technical level of Egyptian weightlifters.
Abdel Maksoud praised the entire team, including bronze medalists Basma Ramadan, El-Sayed Ali Attia (who won two bronzes), and Mostafa Mahmoud Bakry, for their dedication and for showcasing the depth of talent being developed within the Egyptian Weightlifting Federation.
The official also acknowledged the crucial role of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), particularly the support of IWF President Mohamed Hassan Jaloud and Vice Presidents Mohamed YousefAl-Mana and Khaled Mahlahal.
Their partnership, he said, helped ensure the event met the highest technical and organizational standards.
The successful hosting of the championships, paired with Egypt’s strong medal haul, has reinforced the country’s growing reputation as a serious player on the international sports stage.
With both excellent infrastructure and passionate sporting spirit, Egypt has shown it can compete and host at the highest level.
As Abdel Maksoud put it, the country has entered a promising new era in weightlifting, with a new generation of champions ready to make their mark on the world stage.
