Page 151 - BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024-2025

2024 IFBB

INTERNATIONAL

CONGRESS

Kish Island - Iran

Kish Island, Iran, became the center of the bodybuilding and fitness world as it hosted the IFBB Annual Congress and
the IFBB World Men’s Championships. Despite the geopolitical difficulties surrounding international travel in 2024, more
than 64 countries took part in the event, being part of the history of the IFBB.
Although some countries faced delays and logistical challenges, the event ultimately stood out as a great success, a
clear testament to the unifying power of fitness and bodybuilding in bringing cultures together, promoting solidarity,
and demonstrating once again the IFBB’s ability to rise above obstacles.
The championships highlighted how the values of sportsmanship and solidarity transcend boundaries and
exemplified the profound ability of sport to act as a bridge, connecting people regardless of gender, religion, politics,
or race.
Bodybuilding has gained significant popularity in Iran over the years. Enough to say, that in 1957 Tehran hosted the
first Mr. Asia competition held in conjunction with the World Weightlifting Championships. Then, Iran was a member of
the Asian Bodybuilding Federation established in 1959, which joined IFBB in 1970. Currently, Iran is a member of the
IFBB-affiliated Asian Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.
The sport, govern by the Islamic Republic of Iran Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IRIFF), is widely practiced
across Iran in thousands of bodybuilding and fitness centers throughout Iran.
Regarding the Olympic activity, IFBB is extraordinarily strong in America, with official acceptance in Africa and Asia,
what includes recognition by the following Olympic organizations:

• Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
• Pan-American Sports Organization (PANAMSPORTS)
• Central American & Caribbean Sports Organization (CENTRO CARIBE SPORTS)
• Central American Sports Organization (ORDECA)
• South American Sports Organization (ODESUR)
• Bolivarian Sport Organization (ODEBO)
• Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA)
• Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)
• World Anti Doping Agency (WADA)
• Association of Pan American Sports Confederations (ACODEPA)
• Association of African Sports Confederation (AASC)
• International University Sports Federation (FISU)
• Alliance of Independent, Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS)
• International World Games Association (IWGA),
• The Association for International Sport for all (TAFISA)

What leads to incorporation of our sport in the following prestigious Games of the IOC Calendar: Pan-American
Games, South American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, Central American Games, Bolivarian Games,
Asian Beach Games and upcoming Pan-Arab Games. The new, wide area of activity will be associated with recently got
membership in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and Association for International Sport for All
(TAFISA).
This progress has been possible due to the tireless international activity of President Santonja, supported by local
and national bodybuilding and fitness officials from the regions. Each month of the passing year our President visited
not only prestigious sport organizations but also key international and regional sport events. One of the most important

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