For the third consecutive year, Egypt welcomed the Powerlifting World Cup, held from 1-6 February, asserting its dominance with an extraordinary performance. The host nation finished atop the medal standings with a remarkable haul of 165 medals — 84 gold, 42 silver, and 39 bronze — securing a resounding victory that underscored its growing stature in the sport.
Egypt outshone England which claimed second place, and India, which secured third, reaffirming its dominance on the international stage.
“We are honoured to have hosted the Powerlifting World Cup for the third consecutive year, and this edition has been an exceptional success, not only in terms of our athletes’ achievements but also in the seamless organisation of the event which has been widely praised by the International Powerlifting Federation and participants from around the world,” Mahmoud Barakat, president of the Egyptian Powerlifting Federation, said. “I extend my sincere gratitude to Yuriy Ustinov, the event’s international supervisor, as well as to the presidents of the English and Indian federations whose teams secured second and third place, respectively, who expressed immense pride in both the tournament’s execution and the national team’s performance,” Barakat said.
Yet, beyond the impressive medal count, the event served as a powerful showcase for Egypt, with the grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum providing an unparalleled setting for this world-class competition.
“This tournament, set against the very heart of Egypt’s history, offered athletes a truly unique experience. The extraordinary atmosphere, combined with the radiant sunshine, added an exceptional dimension to the championship,” Barakat remarked, visibly moved by the breathtaking location. “Our vision was to create an event that seamlessly blends sport and tourism, and we have achieved precisely that by choosing such an iconic venue.”
This third edition of the World Cup also marked a significant milestone in the evolution of powerlifting in Egypt. The competition saw a record-breaking 630 athletes representing 23 nations, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth in the country. The increasing number of Egyptian competitors over recent years stands as a testament to the sport’s expanding influence. “The steady rise in participation reflects the confidence athletes have in our federation, as well as their dedication to international competition. This commitment has allowed our national team to flourish and continuously elevate its performance,” Barakat added.
Such success, however, was not the result of chance. Over the past two years, Egypt has hosted two other powerlifting events, in Hurghada in 2023 and Sharm El-Sheikh in 2024, both of which received high acclaim for their organisation. “Each year, the Egyptian Federation strives to enhance the event’s quality and accommodate an ever-growing number of participants. This year, we have been truly impressed by the flawless organization and the high standard of competition,” noted Yuriy Ustinov, the international federation’s supervisor and president of the refereeing committee.
Barakat also underscored the vital support provided by Egyptian officials, particularly Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi. “We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr Sobhi for his unwavering support. His commitment has provided the federation with a strong foundation upon which to organise these championships and further develop the sport within Egypt,” Barakat said.
A particularly noteworthy development in this year’s competition was the rise of women’s powerlifting, which has seen remarkable progress in recent years. “When Egypt first competed at the World Championship in Finland, we were represented by only two female athletes. Today, the number of women in the sport has grown significantly, a development that is both encouraging and essential for the future of powerlifting,” Barakat remarked.
With an astounding 165 medals and a team that continues to redefine excellence, Egypt has firmly cemented its position as a global powerlifting powerhouse. Looking to the future, Barakat remains steadfast in his commitment to maintaining this momentum: “We are determined to continue hosting the Powerlifting World Cup, providing Egyptian athletes with more opportunities to compete against the world’s elite. Discussions are already underway regarding the possibility of holding the next edition in Hurghada or Alexandria.”
With their emphatic triumph, the Pharaohs have reaffirmed their place at the pinnacle of international powerlifting, further establishing Egypt as one of the sport’s preeminent nations.
Powerlifting consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift. As in Olympic weightlifting, it involves the athlete attempting a maximal weight single-lift effort of a barbell loaded with weight plates.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 13 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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