Anas Khaled Zgolam, representing Libya, secured the gold medal in the 90 kg category at the 2024 IBSA World Weightlifting Championships for the Visually Impaired held in Kazakhstan.
The High Technical Committee for the Sports of the Blind in Libya announced on their Facebook page that Zgolam achieved remarkable success during the event, which took place from October 2 to October 10, 2024. In addition to his gold in the junior category, Zgolam also claimed a bronze medal in the open category and secured third place in the senior category.
The committee emphasized that Zgolam’s achievements were not a matter of luck but the result of concerted effort and teamwork, starting with his coach, the young and distinguished Mohamed Al-Ka’ami, and the guidance and support from the chairman of the Al-Noor Association and the head of the High Technical Committee for the Sports of the Blind. The collaboration and coordination by the association’s public relations officer and the efforts of the sports office manager, Jamal Mansour, along with family support, played significant roles in boosting the champion’s morale and securing this prestigious title.
It is noted that the Libyan athlete traveled to Kazakhstan after a preparatory training camp in Cairo, Egypt, gearing up for this global competition.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
