World Strongman International Union bats for Olympic recognition of sport

The World Strongman International Union, operating under the Emirates Sports Group, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to achieve Olympic recognition.

In a significant move, the union has initiated the formal procedure required to introduce Strongman competitions as an official Olympic sport.

This marks an important milestone in the sport’s evolution and could eventually lead to the inclusion of Strongman events in future Olympic Games.

Strongman sport is a strength sport in which athletes compete in multiple disciplines that require different aspects of mental and physical strength, speed, and endurance.

The sport includes seven standard disciplines such as Atlas Stones (from 70 kg), Farmers Walk (from 2x75 kg), Deadlift (Axel) (from 130 kg), Dumbbell Lift (from 35 kg), Yoke Carry (from 180 kg), and Sandbag Carry (from 80 kg).

The path to Olympic recognition is rigorous, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) setting strict criteria that must be met. These include strategic planning, collaboration, and substantial organizational development to ensure the sport aligns with Olympic standards.

For the first time in the Middle East, efforts are underway to introduce a new discipline to the world’s most prestigious sporting stage.

Vladimir Burdun, President of the World Strongman International Union and CEO of Emirates Sports Group (UAE), recently paid a high-profile visit to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The visit was a key moment in this campaign, as Burdun held official meetings with members of the Olympic Committee to advocate for the inclusion of Strongman as an Olympic sport.

These discussions mark a crucial step towards the sport’s potential Olympic debut.

The IOC has already given preliminary positive feedback, signaling its willingness to consider World Strongman events in the Olympic programme.

This endorsement propels the union forward in their mission to elevate Strongman competitions to the global stage, bringing a new level of recognition to the sport and expanding the diversity of Olympic disciplines.

With this initiative, the Emirates Sports Group and the World Strongman International Union are positioning the Middle East as a pioneering force in global sports development, championing innovation and expansion in the Olympic movement.

Recently, in a groundbreaking move to foster a healthier lifestyle and elevate the UAE’s sporting prowess, the Emirates Sports Group has launched the Association for the Development of Corporate Sports (ADCS).

This innovative initiative aims to introduce a diverse range of winter sports, including ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating, curling, e-sports, strongman, and drone sports, to the nation.

Renowned for its visionary approach to sports development and investment, Emirates Sports Group has solidified its position as a pioneer in sports tourism and corporate sports within the UAE.

Their latest endeavor is poised to further enrich the country’s sporting landscape while attracting global attention.

Burdun, co-founder of ADCS, expressed immense pride in the early success of the association.

“We are thrilled to announce the overwhelming interest from multiple countries in our project,” he stated. “Dubai’s reputation as a hub for ambitious sports development goals makes it the ideal location to host major events.

“The ADCS has already made significant strides, hosting a successful congress in April that drew participation from over 21 countries. This early success underscores the global appeal of the association’s mission and the potential for the UAE to become a prominent center for corporate sports and winter sports events,” he added.

Burdun, a pioneer of professional hockey in the UAE, sowed the seeds of the sport over a decade ago.

Burdun has lived in the UAE for over 30 years and has played an important role in the development of the sports industry and the creation of international sports formats and unique competitions that have brought international recognition to the UAE. Under the new format of the World Strongman Championship, a competition was held at the Emirates Sports Hotel early this year, where more than 40 countries participated in the event.

The event, which was held under the auspices of the World Strongman Union and the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports (AIMS), attracted over 350 spectators, 100 international company representatives, and 60 participants from all continents.