The European WRPF Powerlifting Championships took place in Leskovac, Serbia, from May 15-17, in the "Partizan" hall. This high-profile event attracted around 150 athletes from 15 countries, including Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Russia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Republic of Tatarstan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, and Albania.
The competition featured multiple disciplines, including bench press, deadlift, full power, and biceps curl, showcasing exceptional performances and fierce competition. The event was a significant success for Leskovac and Serbia, according to Živorad Marković, the president of the WRPF Federation for Serbia and a 15-time world champion, multiple European and national champion.
"The atmosphere was fantastic, with many positive impressions and top results achieved. While there is always room for improvement, we are dedicated to developing and promoting this sport in Serbia," Marković said.
Serbian athletes had a standout performance, winning approximately 20 gold medals in various disciplines, further cementing their quality on the international stage. "It's a big thing for the city and Serbia to host such a large competition. I am grateful to the city of Leskovac, Mayor Goran Cvetanović, and all the event supporters who made this a successful event," Marković added.
The event highlighted the growing appeal of powerlifting in Serbia, both among athletes and spectators, as Leskovac successfully showcased its capabilities as a host of major international sporting events.
Leskovac proved it can host top-tier powerlifting events. This is just the start! How will Serbia dominate next?