(ATR) The online Uzbekistan Weightlifting Cup which opened on Friday will be a template for the U-17 World Championship in Lima, which has been suspended and will now be virtual.
In a statement, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced "with great sadness" the cancellation of the Lima event in its original form "due to the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic."
The IWF indicated that it made that determination "after careful consideration and prioritizing the health and safety of our young lifters".
Instead the International Federation, in order to maintain a competition opportunity, will organize a virtual U-17 World Cup. More details will be revealed in the coming days.
It is very likely that the dates will be from November 11 to 18, the same as the original event.
Craig Walker, president of the Canadian Weightlifting Federation, said the IWF made a "wise decision".
Speaking to Around the Rings, he said that "in such unusual times, the safety of athletes and officials must be put first".
Regarding the proposal to hold the U-17 World Cup with the "distance" format, Walker recalled that the Pan American Weightlifting Federation led by the Peruvian José Quiñones was a "pioneer" in this new competition model "to help fill the gap."
"I think these online competitions have the potential to generate new growth in the sport," said Walker.
The Canadian leader revealed that in his country there are already numerous provinces and clubs that are "reinventing themselves" with the use of this "virtual" format in these times of health and economic emergency.
The Uzbekistan Cup will last until Sunday in tribute to the former Soviet republic commemorating its independence on September 1.
ATR learned that the Uzbekistan Cup would be similar to the "virtual" Pan American Cup held in July but with more modifications for further improvements.
The online event will be streamed via Zoom and a live stream will be available on the IWF YouTube channel.
More than 100 weightlifters from 30 countries will compete in the event, including Senior World and Olympic Champions, Junior Champions, world record holders, and Continental Champions.
The vast majority of these "virtual" competitors will be seen in person in 11 months at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
"The experiences of the Pan American Cup and Uzbekistan will allow to create an improved model for the postponed U-17 World Cup," said IWF Technical Committee Chairman Nicu Vlad.
Sources from the Organizing Committee of the postponed World Cup in Lima told ATR that with the new format they expect a record number of competitors and nations to take part.
Written and reported by Miguel Hernandez
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