Al-Kakli Wins Libya's First-Ever Medal at World Youth Weightlifting Championships

Libyan weightlifter Abdelraouf Al-Kakli has made history, securing two silver medals at the World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia — the first medals Libya has ever won in the competition.

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed the achievement in its official report, marking a milestone for Libyan weightlifting on the global stage. Competing in the under-79 kg youth category, Al-Kakli delivered a performance that earned him silver in both the Clean & Jerk and the Total lift classifications.

A Historic First for Libyan Weightlifting

Libya has participated in international weightlifting competitions for decades, but the country had never secured a medal at the World Youth Championships until now. Al-Kakli's achievement breaks that drought and signals the emergence of a new generation of Libyan talent in the sport.

The championships, hosted in the Colombian city of Cali, brought together young lifters from 37 nations worldwide. Libya's team finished 15th overall in the rankings, a result driven almost entirely by Al-Kakli's medal-winning lifts.

Silver in Clean & Jerk and Total

Al-Kakli competed in the 79 kg weight class, where he faced strong competition from lifters representing countries with established weightlifting programs. Despite being in his first world-level appearance, the young Libyan athlete demonstrated composure and strength beyond his years.

He secured silver medals in two categories: the Clean & Jerk discipline and the overall Total lift — which combines the Snatch and Clean & Jerk scores. His performance placed him among the top youth weightlifters globally.

Official Congratulations from Libyan Sports Leadership

Libya's Minister of Sports, Dr. Fouad Bargash, extended official congratulations to Al-Kakli following his achievement. In a statement, Bargash praised the young athlete for raising Libya's flag high on the international stage and highlighted the importance of supporting youth sports programs.

"This achievement is proof that Libyan youth have the potential to compete and excel at the highest levels when given the right opportunities," Bargash said. He also commended the technical staff and the Libyan Weightlifting Federation for their role in preparing the national team.

Libya's Growing Presence in International Sports

Al-Kakli's success adds to a growing list of Libyan athletes making their mark internationally. While Libya has historically faced challenges in developing competitive sports infrastructure, individual talents across multiple disciplines — from football to athletics to weightlifting — continue to emerge and achieve recognition.

The World Youth Weightlifting Championships serve as a crucial platform for identifying future Olympic and senior world championship contenders, and Al-Kakli's performance positions him as a promising prospect for Libya's sporting future.

What This Means for Libyan Weightlifting

The IWF's recognition of Al-Kakli's achievement places Libyan weightlifting on the international radar. For a country with limited resources dedicated to Olympic sports, this breakthrough offers a powerful example of what Libyan athletes can accomplish.

The Libyan Weightlifting Federation is expected to build on this momentum, with increased attention on youth development programs and international competition preparation. Al-Kakli's journey from local training facilities to the podium in Cali serves as an inspiration for young Libyans dreaming of sporting excellence.

A Bright Future Ahead

At just 17 years old, Al-Kakli has already made history. With proper support and continued development, he could become a regular medal contender at future world championships and potentially the Olympic Games. His achievement in Colombia is not just a personal triumph but a milestone for an entire nation's sporting aspirations.

The two silver medals represent more than a personal best — they are proof that Libyan talent, when nurtured, can shine on the world's biggest stages.

— Libya Press / Sports Desk