Tamas Ajan, president of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), said Saturday that China's first gold medal, clinched by a strongwoman, at the Beijing Olympics confirmed the country's competitiveness.
"China's sport is very strong," Ajan said. "Weightlifting is exceptionally strong."
Chinese weightlifter Chen Xiexia hoisted a total of 212kg in weightlifting women's 48kg category, grabbing the host's first gold at the Beijing Games.
"Today's result confirmed that," said Ajan. "I would like to extend my congratulations to the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Chinese people."
The IWF chief threw kudos to the Chinese weightlifting administrations, coaches and the strongmen and women, saying they were "well organized, and well educated."
Talking about the opening ceremony of the Games, Ajan described it as "unbelievable spectacular."
"I've participated in 16 Olympics," he said. "The Beijing Games' opening was very impressive."
"It's the nicest opportunity in my life," he added.
He also believed the Olympics brought positive development and change in China, furthering the nation's modernization.
On his goal in the Beijing Games as the IWF chief, Ajan hoped the Olympics would further popularize the weightlifting sport.
He also expected clean weightlifting competitions and Olympics, saying "this is very important."
"I share the view on anti-doping with President Jacques Rogge," he said.
On his part, Yu Zaiqing, newly-elected vice president of the International Olympic Committee and vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, said this first gold meant much to the Chinese delegation.
"We had expected this gold," he said. "We are happy that the expectation comes true."
(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)