Qatar Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of FISU World University Weightlifting Championship

Qatar secured three gold medals on the final day of the 10th FISU World University Weightlifting Championship - Doha 2026, concluding the international competition with a remarkable display of strength and skill. The championship, held over five days in Doha, featured approximately 116 male and female athletes representing 21 countries, all vying for top honors in their respective weight categories. Following the conclusion of the events and the awarding of medals, the FISU flag was formally transferred to Albania. The nation is set to host the 11th edition of the World University Weightlifting Championships in 2028, marking the continuation of the prestigious event and the global commitment to university sports. The successful hosting of the championship in Doha showed Qatar's capabilities in organizing major international sporting events and its dedication to promoting athletic excellence among university students.

Women's Dominance and Records

In the women's over-86kg category, Qatar's Wissal Yakhlef secured a gold medal with a formidable performance, achieving a 125-kilogram snatch, a 155-kilogram clean and jerk, and a combined total of 280 kilograms. Her exceptional lifts earned her all three available gold medals in her division. Yakhlef expressed her profound satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "I was delighted to win three gold medals in the over-86-kilogram category, describing the achievement as an important milestone in my athletic career." This triple gold victory was a highlight for the host nation, demonstrating the caliber of its athletes on the international stage.

The competition in the women's over-86kg category was intense, with athletes from various nations pushing their limits. South Korea's Yoo Hyo-bin earned the silver medal in the same category, showcasing her strength with a 103-kilogram snatch, a 145-kilogram clean and jerk, and an overall total of 248 kilograms. Her consistent performance secured her a valuable medal for her country. Slovakia's Lenka Zembova claimed the bronze medal, demonstrating her prowess by lifting 102 kilograms in the snatch, 127 kilograms in the clean and jerk, for a total of 229 kilograms. These athletes contributed to a highly competitive and memorable women's over-86kg division.

Wissal Yakhlef noted that her success was not accidental but the culmination of dedicated effort. "My performance and place on the podium were the result of extensive preparation, concentration and sustained work rather than chance," she said, emphasizing the rigorous training regimen she undertook. Yakhlef's performance at the championship marks the final stage of her training program as she prepares to join Qatar's national team for the highly anticipated 20th Asian Games, scheduled for Aichi-Nagoya 2026. This championship served as a key stepping stone in her journey towards future international competitions. She also noted the competitive nature of the event, stating, "The competition had been far from easy and that the presence of several highly skilled lifters added to the technical quality of the championship." She added that winning gold in the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall competition would provide a major incentive for her continued preparation for upcoming competitions, boosting her confidence and motivation.

In the women's 86kg category, Chinese Taipei's Yu-Lin Peng took home the gold medal with a dominant display. She achieved a 107-kilogram snatch, a 125-kilogram clean and jerk, and an impressive overall total of 232 kilograms, securing all three gold medals for her country in this division. South Korea's Yubin Hong secured the silver medal in this division, demonstrating her competitive spirit by achieving a 100-kilogram snatch, a 124-kilogram clean and jerk, resulting in a 224-kilogram total. Her strong performance placed her firmly on the podium. Moldova's Anastasia Balici completed the podium, earning the bronze medal with a 93-kilogram snatch, a 116-kilogram clean and jerk, and a combined total of 209 kilograms. The women's 86kg category provided a compelling showcase of international talent, with athletes demonstrating remarkable strength and technique.

Men's Fierce Competition

The men's categories also featured intense competition, with lifters from around the world demonstrating incredible strength and determination. In the men's 110kg category, American lifter George Upmeyer secured a gold medal with an outstanding performance, achieving a 168-kilogram snatch, a 201-kilogram clean and jerk, and a total of 369 kilograms. Upmeyer's consistent and powerful lifts earned him the top spot in this challenging category.

Romania's Paul Ionita earned two silver medals in this category, showcasing his strength with a 196-kilogram clean and jerk and a 359-kilogram overall total. Ionita also claimed a bronze medal for his 163-kilogram snatch performance, noting his versatility across the lifts. American Caleb Wicklund obtained a silver medal in the snatch event, lifting 164 kilograms, just shy of the gold. Wicklund also secured bronze medals in both the clean and jerk, with 192 kilograms, and the overall competition, totaling 356 kilograms, demonstrating a strong all-around performance. The men's 110kg category was a testament to the high level of competition, with medals distributed among several strong contenders.

The men's over-110kg category saw Iraq's Mustafa Jabbar claim gold, delivering a powerful performance that captivated the audience. Jabbar lifted 170 kilograms in the snatch, 212 kilograms in the clean and jerk, accumulating an impressive total of 382 kilograms, securing all three gold medals in his division. His powerful lifts showed his dominance in the heaviest weight class.

South Korea's Park Jin-ho earned silver medals for his 211-kilogram clean and jerk and his 363-kilogram overall performance in the over-110kg division. Park Jin-ho recorded a 152-kilogram snatch in the event, contributing significantly to his total. Moldova's Stanislav Oja secured a silver medal in the snatch, achieving a lift of 166 kilograms, and a bronze medal for his overall total of 357 kilograms, demonstrating his strength in both individual lifts and overall performance. Finland's Hannu Kiskitalo also medaled in the snatch, earning a bronze with a 165-kilogram lift, showcasing the depth of talent in this category. South Korea's Kim Dong-hyun completed the medalists in this category, taking bronze in the clean and jerk with a 198-kilogram lift. The over-110kg category proved to be a thrilling conclusion to the men's events, with lifters pushing the boundaries of human strength.

Event Notes and Future

The 10th FISU World University Weightlifting Championship gathered approximately 116 male and female athletes representing 21 countries for the competition in Doha, fostering international camaraderie and athletic excellence. Over the five days of the championship, these student-athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, competing across various weight categories. On the final day, HE President of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organizing Committee, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi, had the distinct honor of presenting medals to the victorious athletes, recognizing their hard work and achievements.

The concluding day of the championship featured intense competition across four distinct weight categories. These included the women's 86kg and over-86kg divisions, as well as the men's 110kg and over-110kg categories. Athletes from various nations vied for top honors in these final events, contributing to the overall medal tally and providing a thrilling spectacle for spectators. The organization of the event was lauded by participants and officials alike, reflecting Qatar's commitment to hosting world-class sporting competitions. The championship not only provided a platform for university athletes to excel but also promoted cultural exchange and international understanding. The successful conclusion of the 10th edition sets a high standard for future FISU events.

Voices from the Championship

At the closing ceremony, Rashid Saeed Adiba, Secretary-General of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF), addressed attendees, reflecting on the success of the championship and the spirit of competition displayed by the athletes. Also speaking at the event was Sarita Morales Brenes, a member of the FISU International Supervisory Committee, who praised the organizers and participants for a memorable event. Both officials delivered remarks as the championship concluded its five-day run in Doha, noting the importance of university sports in developing future leaders and promoting healthy lifestyles. The ceremony recognized the athletes' achievements and the successful organization of the international weightlifting competition, which brought together young talents from across the globe. The handover of the FISU flag to Albania further cemented the championship's legacy and looked forward to its continuation in 2028, ensuring the ongoing tradition of excellence in university weightlifting.