After a 44-year hiatus, the World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships returned to Egypt, with the city of Ismailia serving as host from May 17 to 23, 2026. Drawing athletes and teams from 54 countries, the event was widely recognized for both the high level of competition and the hospitality extended by the Egyptian hosts.
The championships highlighted Egypt’s growing capacity to organize major international sporting events at a world-class level. Delegates and international observers praised the seamless logistics and vibrant atmosphere, reflecting extensive coordination among the local organizing committee, technical staff, and volunteers. Mohamed Abdel Maksoud, head of the Organising Committee, attributed the event’s success to a collective team effort and expressed gratitude for the support from Egyptian leadership.
On the competitive front, the Egyptian weightlifting team matched the hosting achievements with a strong performance, securing a total of nine world medals, including four golds and five bronzes. Abdel Rahman Hussein emerged as a standout athlete, capturing three gold medals and energizing the home crowd. Rahma Ahmed contributed another gold, while Ali Abdel-Radi marked a historic moment by not only claiming a bronze but also breaking three world records in the under-17 division, underscoring the rising technical standards within Egyptian weightlifting.
Other Egyptian medalists included Basma Ramadan, El-Sayed Ali Attia, who won two bronze medals, and Mostafa Mahmoud Bakry, all of whom were commended for their dedication and skill, reflecting depth in the nation’s talent pool. Abdel Maksoud acknowledged the partnership with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), noting the support from IWF President Mohamed Hassan Jaloud and Vice Presidents Mohamed Yousef Al-Mana and Khaled Mahlahal as instrumental in meeting rigorous technical and organizational standards.
The successful hosting and strong medal tally have further solidified Egypt’s reputation as a competitive presence in international sports. With well-developed infrastructure and a passionate sporting community, the country is poised to maintain its momentum in weightlifting. Abdel Maksoud described the event as the beginning of a promising new era, characterized by a new generation of Egyptian champions ready to make their mark globally.