On the occasion of the upcoming elections of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), to be held on May 24-25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, SportsIn conducted an exclusive interview with Attila Adamfi, Vice President of the IWF, as well as Secretary General and Vice President of the International Bandy Federation and recently elected Vice President of the Hungarian Weightlifting Federation.

In this conversation, Adamfi shared insights about his career, the IWF’s recent achievements, and his priorities for the future.

“I feel fortunate to serve both sports”

When asked how he coordinates his multiple roles in weightlifting and bandy, Adamfi explained: “Board positions in the IWF (and HWF) are voluntary, so everyone on the board has a ‘day job.’ I’m fortunate that my work is in sports, which not only strengthens my connections to the Olympic Movement but also provides me with transferable knowledge and experience.”

“I feel very lucky and blessed to serve both sports, and I’m committed to ensuring that their stakeholders can count on my ongoing support,” he added.

“The IWF Strategic Plan is a historic milestone”

Among the most significant achievements of his recent term, Adamfi highlighted: “The most significant achievement is the unanimous approval of the IWF’s first-ever Strategic Plan in 2023. This plan, developed through a transparent and inclusive process, represents a major milestone in the history and transformation of the IWF. It sets clear strategic objectives for a sustainable organization.”

However, he emphasized that the work is far from over: “This Strategic Plan will only be meaningful if we follow through with an Operational Plan, which I hope to develop with my capable colleagues in the near future.”

Adamfi also highlighted the success of the IWF Refugee Project: “Although it began in 2019, the first official participation of the IWF Refugee Team occurred at the 2023 IWF World Championships in Riyadh. It was a momentous achievement that demonstrated the IWF’s commitment to inclusivity and awareness.”

Finally, he proudly mentioned the approval of his proposal to establish World Weightlifting Day: “This initiative is aimed at celebrating and promoting our sport globally.”

“Transparency is key to transforming our organization”

Looking ahead to the elections, Adamfi shared his priorities if re-elected: “Alongside the Executive Board and with the continued support of athletes and member federations, we have achieved a lot in recent years. However, there is still much to be done to transform our organization into a professional, sustainable entity.”

“Governance, especially transparency, is a critical area where we can make immediate improvements. For instance, by publishing the minutes and reports of committees and commissions as we did in the past, or by making public the financial benefits provided to officials,” he explained.

Innovation in the sport and zero tolerance for doping

On the sporting side, Adamfi expressed confidence in expanding weightlifting’s portfolio: “I am confident that we will expand our sport’s disciplines, events, and innovative formats, such as Urban Weightlifting. We also aim to position weightlifting as a leader in the strength and conditioning industry with a more commercial approach.”

He also reaffirmed the IWF’s commitment to integrity: “We must never compromise our zero-tolerance stance on doping. Safeguarding the integrity of the sport and ensuring a clean, fair playing field for future generations will always be a priority.”

“The position is not a goal, it’s a tool”

Regarding his expectations for the elections, Adamfi concluded: “As a candidate (for General Secretary, 1st Vice President, Vice President, and Executive Board member), I hope to gain the trust and support of the IWF Congress to continue this successful journey together. However, for me, the position is not a goal in itself; it is simply a tool to contribute as effectively as possible to the development and integrity of our sport.”

With his motto “Stronger Together, Lifting Forever!”, Adamfi reaffirms his commitment to the future of weightlifting.