With 2015 we have closed a year that can be classified as highly successful from the point of view of weightlifting.

The IWF World Championships in Houston, in Wroclaw and in Lima were carried out bringing glory to the sport and increasing its popularity.

Our sport was a main highlight in the Continental Games and weightlifters excelled also at the various Regional and Continental Championships.

Special mention should be given to the appearance of weightlifting at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, Samoa and, once again, the China Grand Prix and the Russian President’s Cup were both characterised by top-level performances.

The IWF Masters Weightlifting programme carried out significant events on a world scale.

Meanwhile, we did not lose focus of the IWF Development and Education Program, a rich and manifold project whereby a series of courses and seminars were held, substantial material aid was handed out at all levels, and the IWF supported the Continental, Regional and National Member Federations with meaningful funds.

The IWF’s Anti-Doping Program is – in general estimation by the World Anti-Doping Agency, International Olympic Committee and other authoritative organisations – one of the best designed and managed amongst all IFs, and feasible success could be recorded in the interest of a clean sport in 2015.

Our marketing and promotional efforts have been stepped up and brought practical effects in raising the standard of weightlifting the world over.

The activities of the National Federations and of the increasingly important Continental Federations have received greater assistance from the IWF than ever before.

Thanks are due to the IWF Executive Board and the officials in the various committees who have been working hard to guide the sport in the right direction and safeguard its transparency and fairness both in and out of the competition stage.

In 2016 we are facing the big challenge of the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Together with the Organising Committee, the IWF will do everything in our power and capacity to make weightlifting, a core sport of the Games, one of the greatest highlights of Rio 2016.

Still on the Road to Rio, the five Continental Qualification Events will be significant landmarks and in the rest of the year the Junior and Youth World Championships will also receive the deserved focus and attention.

Dear friends – while our calendar and task book is full for 2016, the IWF will carry on with its scheduled programmes and projects and our relentless fight against doping in the sport.

We would not be able to achieve any success, however, without enjoying your continued support and cooperation. So, thank you in advance.

To everyone therefore: good luck and a Happy New Year for 2016.