The UAE opened its Asian Weightlifting Championships campaign in India this week, with Zahra Al Hashemi finishing eighth in the women’s 53kg category.
The national team is competing in Ahmedabad with three athletes: Al Hashemi, Ezzeddine Al Ghafri and Moayad Al Najjar.
Al Hashemi was first to compete on Tuesday. The UAE team will return to action on Sunday, when Al Ghafri contests the 110kg category and Al Najjar competes in the over-110kg division.
The competition runs until May 17 and is being held alongside the International Weightlifting Federation Congress, which took place in Ahmedabad on May 12.
The Emirates Weightlifting Federation was represented at the congress by Shaikha Al Kaabi, board member and head of delegation, and Rashid Khalaf Al Mazrouei, board member.
Al Kaabi said member states voted on proposed amendments to the Asian Weightlifting Federation constitution. The meeting also reviewed administrative and technical reports, and discussed plans linked to future competitions and federation activities.
The congress confirmed South Korea as host of the 2027 Asian Weightlifting Championships, which will be staged in June 2027.
Al Kaabi said she hoped the UAE’s remaining athletes would be able to challenge for strong positions in a competitive field.
