BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tamas Ajan, president of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), said Saturday that China's first gold medal, clinched by a strongwoman, at the Beijing Olympics confirmed the country's competitiveness.

    "China's sport is very strong," Ajan said. "Weightlifting is exceptionally strong."

    Chinese weightlifter Chen Xiexia hoisted a total of 212kg in weightlifting women's 48kg category, grabbing the host's first gold at the Beijing Games.

Chen Xiexia of China takes a good clean and jerk lift to win the first gold for the Chinese Delegation with 95 kilos in the snatch and 117 in the clean and jerk for a total of 212 kilos at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the women’s 48kg weightlifting in Beijing, China, Aug. 9, 2008. Chen broke the Olympic record in this event. (Xinhua/Wu Wei) Photo Gallery>>>

    "Today's result confirmed that," said Ajan. "I would like to extend my congratulations to the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Chinese people."

    The IWF chief threw kudos to the Chinese weightlifting administrations, coaches and the strongmen and women, saying they were "well organized, and well educated."

    Talking about the opening ceremony of the Games, Ajan described it as "unbelievable spectacular."

    "I've participated in 16 Olympics," he said. "The Beijing Games' opening was very impressive."

    "It's the nicest opportunity in my life," he added.

    He also believed the Olympics brought positive development and change in China, furthering the nation's modernization.

Chen Xiexia (C) of China, Sibel Ozkan (L) of Turkey and Chen Wei-Ling (R) of Chinese Taipei wave to spectators at the awarding ceremony of the women's 48kg of weightlifting event at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 9, 2008. Chen Xiexia, Sibel Ozkan and Chen Wei-Ling won the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) Photo Gallery>>>

    On his goal in the Beijing Games as the IWF chief, Ajan hoped the Olympics would further popularize the weightlifting sport.

    He also expected clean weightlifting competitions and Olympics, saying "this is very important."

    "I share the view on anti-doping with President Jacques Rogge," he said.

    On his part, Yu Zaiqing, newly-elected vice president of the International Olympic Committee and vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, said this first gold meant much to the Chinese delegation.

    "We had expected this gold," he said. "We are happy that the expectation comes true."