Iraq is gaining recognition on the world stage once again, showcasing its potential in youth weightlifting, reminiscent of previous championships.
Emerging Talents in Weightlifting
Five years ago at the IWF World Youth Championships, Iraq introduced a future star named Ali Ammar Yusur, who claimed the third spot in the 102kg category. Since then, he has received unwavering support, culminating in a commendable sixth-place finish at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Ammar is anticipated to be one of the frontrunners for the super-heavyweight title.
This year, the spotlight has shifted to 16-year-old Mousa Khudhair, who triumphed in the 94kg category at the World Youth Championships held in Cali, Colombia. His victory mirrors the success of Ammar five years earlier, raising expectations for what Khudhair can achieve in the future.
Future Olympic Aspirations
The journey from youth competition to the Olympic Games is a significant leap, and yet the Iraqi sporting authorities are brimming with confidence about Khudhair’s potential. Mustafa Salih from the Iraq Weightlifting Federation remarked on Khudhair’s abilities, stating, “Mousa Khudhair is a very promising weightlifter who has been enrolled in the Olympic preparation program, backed by the Iraqi National Olympic Committee.” He further added that the young athlete is being groomed for the 2032 Olympic Games, with a well-structured preparation plan already in place.
In his recent competition, Khudhair showcased impressive numbers, completing lifts of 150-182, for a total of 332kg—15kg ahead of his closest competitor, Alen Zurabyan from Armenia, who totaled 317kg. Khudhair’s only misstep came during his second clean and jerk attempt, which was the only failure among the top four contenders. Following his victory, he received immediate congratulations from the president of Iraq’s National Olympic Committee, further affirming the nation’s commitment to nurturing its young athletes.
Notable Performances Across Categories
The World Youth Championships also witnessed remarkable performances in other weight categories. In the men’s +94kg super-heavyweight division, Nikoloz Kurtanidze from Georgia emerged victorious, completing a clean sweep with six successful lifts. Finishing with a total of 338kg, Kurtanidze narrowly edged out his teammate Khvicha Kitsmaridze by a single kilo, highlighting the intense competition in this category.
In the women’s super-heavyweight category, Venezuelan athlete Aparicio Lidysmar defended her title with an outstanding performance that included a clean combination of 110-140, totaling 250kg. Her consistent improvement was evident compared to the previous year when she achieved 230kg. Sara Dal Bo from Italy secured second place with a personal best of 230kg, showcasing the depth of talent at this year’s championships.
With such emerging talents and continued support from national federations, Iraq and other participating countries are paving the way for a bright future in weightlifting. The next generation of athletes is clearly prepared to make significant contributions on the global stage, bolstered by a well-structured approach to training and competition.