Weightlifting returned to prominence at the Islamic Solidarity Games Konya 2021 as numerous records were broken and countless excellences delivered over five days of exciting competition.

World-class athletes, including world and Olympic champions, from 24 countries took part in the five-day competition. A total of 89 athletes from 21 nations took part for the men and 59 athletes from 17 nations for the women.

Athletes from 11 countries won medals at the event, including world and Olympic champion Ruslan Nurudinov of Uzbekistan, who lifted 417 kg and set three game records in the men’s 109 kg category. His compatriot, world and Olympic champion Akbar Djuraev rose to +109 kg and won gold with 446 kg. 2020 Asian Championships silver medalist Gulnabat Kadyrova of Turkmenistan set a new game record in the snatch and total weight with 225 kg in the women’s 71 kg. 2021 World Championships silver medalist Sarvarbek Zafarjonov of Uzbekistan won gold with 366 kg, breaking all three game records in the men’s 89 kg. Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bronze medalist Zulfiya Chinshanlo of Kazakhstan won the gold medal in the women’s 59 kg and 220 kg. In the men’s 102 kg category, 2021 world champion Rasoul Motamedi Sedeh of the Islamic Republic of Iran won gold, lifting 400 kg and setting three new game records.

IMF President Mohammed Jalood said:

“The Islamic Solidarity Games have attracted some of the world’s best athletes, which was reflected in the extremely high quality of the competition. As we have seen in recent events, the medals have once again been spread across many different countries and continents, showing the strength and depth of our sport around the world.”

IWF Athletes’ Commission Chairman Forrester Christopher Osei added:

“Athletes love to compete with the best and at the Islamic Solidarity Games this made for very exciting competition for athletes and fans alike. It is clear from these games, and also from the recent 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, that weightlifting has so much to offer to major multisport events and it is crucial that athletes continue to be given the platforms they deserve.”