As part of its fifth anniversary celebrations, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has extended its partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA).
The IWF secretary general Antonio Urso signed the yearly contract renewal in Lausanne.
Since 2019, the two bodies have been working together on athlete testing, sample storage, scientific research, TUE procedures, education, results management, intelligence, and whereabouts submissions.
ITA is a valuable partner in our anti-doping strategy, and we are very happy to renew our fruitful co-operation with them.
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The IWF has significantly improved its fight against cheating in recent years and the ITA has played a pivotal role in this fight,” Urso said.
As part of the agreement between the IWF and the ITA, many other services are also provided, including education and intelligence.
It is a guarantee that all aspects of our anti-doping policy are covered and that we are 100% committed to achieving a drug-free sport and ensuring fair and clean events for all lifters.”
IWF officials praised the impact of ITA at the recently concluded Grand Prix in Havana despite recent positive doping tests from Turkey and Kazakhstan.
The governing body claims it has already invested over 30 percent of its budget in the deal with ITA, with the latest renewal focusing on three specific areas – education (courses and programmes for athletes and support staff), intelligence and investigation (enhanced proactive actions in response to investigative findings), and legal support (improved management of antidoping violations).
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The ITA congratulates the IWF for continuing to strengthen its anti-doping programme since 2019.
Consequently, we recognize that the IWF is taking all measures to eliminate doping from its sport as a result of this expanded partnership.
We appreciate the trust placed in us by the international weightlifting community, and we acknowledge the responsibilities that lie ahead.
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As always, the ITA is committed to offering clean competitions to all weightlifters.”
