The European Games family is growing! The European Olympic Committees (EOC) have taken the decision tointegrate weightlifting into the program of the 2027 edition, organized in Istanbul. A first since sport was absent in Baku (2015), Minsk (2019) and Krakow (2023). "This decision demonstrates that weightlifting is more respected by the Olympic movement in Europe than it was in previous years", welcomes Antonio Conflitti, President of the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF). The result of "more than three years of diplomacy" according to the Italian, who absolutely wanted his project to come to fruition. " We need this recognition, we need weightlifting to be part of the European Games. That has always been my goal", he insists. The EWF is waiting there at least 300 athletes. Competition should be part of the process of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. "This is a very important step forward for the development and exposure of our sport in Europe, underlines the president of the International Federation, Mohammed Jalood. Weightlifting has been present at other continental Games for many years now and the inclusion in the European Games programme demonstrates the growing respect and the added value that our sport brings to major international events."
