Venezuelan weightlifting team prepares for Paris 2024 Olympics and Thailand's World Cup in Ankara
Venezuela's weightlifting delegation expresses joy in Ankara preparations for Paris Olympics and Thailand's World Cup
Henry Jose, secretary general of the Venezuela Weightlifting Federation, expressed utmost happiness in conducting preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the World Cup in Thailand in Ankara.
Henry Jose oversees the training of the Venezuelan National Weightlifting Team at the newly opened sports hall within Eryaman Stadium in Ankara for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the forthcoming World Cup in Thailand.
The Venezuelan official stated their arrival in Ankara with nine female athletes and five coaches for Paris 2024 Olympics preparations.
"We came for the adaptation process for the World Cup in Thailand and Olympic preparations. We've been training in Ankara for eight days now. We're very pleased with the hotel and training facilities in Ankara. We are also happy to be hosted here. We thank the Turkish Weightlifting Federation and the Republic of Turkey, " Jose said.
"When we think of Türkiye, we think of Naim Suleymanoglu"
Jose assessed Turkish national weightlifters Muhammad Furkan Ozbek and Yusuf Fehmi Genc as competitors.
"Two Turkish weightlifters in the 73 kg category are rivals to our athletes. Both Muhammad Furkan and Yusuf Fehmi have performed exceptionally well. It somewhat pleases us that both are in the same weight category because one won't be able to make it to the Olympics. After the World Cup in Thailand, we aim to return to Turkey for Olympic preparations. We also aim to conduct several training sessions with Turkish national athletes," Jose said.
Henry Jose also acknowledged Türkiye's significant contributions to weightlifting, stating, "Turkish weightlifting, especially when we talk about the best in history, it's Naim Suleymanoglu. When we think of Türkiye, we think of Naim Suleymanoglu."
"Many federations prefer Türkiye for their preparation works"
President of the Turkish Weightlifting Federation Talat Unlu, expressed delight in hosting the Venezuelan National Weightlifting Team in the capital, Ankara.
"Many federations prefer Türkiye for their preparation works. However, we plan according to our capacity. Venezuela's request to train here is gratifying. This newly constructed hall underneath Eryaman Stadium was allocated to us by our Ministry of Youth and Sports."
He mentioned their upcoming participation in the World Cup in Thailand and their plan to continue Olympic preparations in Ankara after competing in the last quota matches for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Additionally, they aim to prepare for the World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Ankara as well. Unlu emphasized that these developments are gratifying and positive for both their federation and their country.
Training requests coming from Germany, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia
Unlu stated their desire to hold joint training camps with many countries and their friendship-driven camps with Azerbaijan.
"The Azerbaijan team also trained in Ankara before the European Championships last year. Currently, athletes from many countries are preparing in Antalya. I hope, in the future, we will host even more countries."
