By Paul Osborne

Atiila Adamfi has been appointed as the IWF's first ever director general ©IWFJanuary 29 - Hungarian Attila Adamfi has been appointed the International Weightlifting Federation's (IWF) first ever director general as the organisation continues in the restructuring of its administration in order to further improve its efficiency and cooperation.

Adamfi has been working with the IWF for the past 19 years, having joined on a part-time basis in 1995, before becoming a full-time employee in 2001 where he served as competition director.

"I am delighted to take up this new role and I'm grateful for the confidence placed in me," he said.

"I am committed to continue the modernisation of weightlifting with respect to the tradition of our sport."

Adamfi graduated from the Hungarian University of Physical Education with a degree in physical education in 1996 and sports management in 2000.

From there, he began studying Economical Diplomacy and International Management at the College of International Management and Business where he graduated in 2003.

Atiila Adamfi (left) has participated in five Summer Olympic Games as advisor for the IWF before taking over the technical delegate responsibilities for two other Summer Olympics ©IWFAtiila Adamfi (left) has participated in five Summer Olympic Games as advisor for the IWF before taking over the technical delegate responsibilities for two other Summer Olympics ©IWF


He started his career as a sport official at the Hungarian National Office for Physical Education and Sports before joining the Hungarian Ministry of Sports.

Since starting at the IWF he has participated in five Olympic Games as advisor and took over the technical delegate responsibilities for Games; Youth Olympic Games and about 100 World and Continental Championships, World Cups, Continental and Regional Games.

He is the founding member of the newly established International Relations and Sport Diplomacy Commission after being appointed by the Hungarian Olympic Committee and has also worked as  vice-president of the International Bandy Federation (FIB) since 2006 and President of the Hungarian Bandy Federation since 2005.

In his new position, he will continue playing an active role in sport, competition and technical issues.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2013: IWF call for candidates to Executive Board and Committees