For the first time originating from the Middle East, efforts are underway to introduce a new discipline, Strongman, to the world’s most prestigious sporting stage for it to ultimately gain recognition at the Olympic Games. With that in mind, Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports Group and President of the World Strongman International Union participated in the IF Forum 2024 by invitation of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS). The forum was held on October 22nd-24th in Lausanne, Switzerland and it indeed marks a significant step towards the recognition of Strongman as an official sport on the international stage. The venue for this invitation-only 2024 IF
Forum was the iconic Olympic Museum in Lausanne, the capital of the Olympic Games, a place that embodies the spirit of global sports.
Vladimir Burdun’s participation in such a prestigious event is a historic moment for both World Strongman International Union and the Middle East. The IF Forum, which brings together the most important representatives of the global sports community, offers the World Strongman International Union the opportunity to make its mark on the international sports arena and to develop cooperation with other federations. This forum also paves the way for further integration of Strongman into the Olympic movement, laying the foundation for the sport’s potential recognition at the Olympic Games. In addition to participating in the forum discussions, Vladimir Burdun had a series of key business meetings with presidents of international strength sports federations, the AIMS President Stephan Fox, as well
as the representatives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). These meetings and their outcomes play a crucial role in improving cooperation and promoting the growth of Strongman as a global sport.
The invitation from AIMS – one of the leading organizations supporting independent and recognized sports federations – extended to Mr. Burdun confirms the significance of the work carried out by the World Strongman Union and its commitment to promoting strength sports.
“Participation in the IF Forum 2024 is not only an opportunity for us to present Strongman as a fully-fledged international sport but also an important platform to strengthen ties with leading sports organizations worldwide. We believe that Strongman can take its rightful place among the Olympic sports, and this meeting brings us closer to that goal”, – said Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports Group and President of the World Strongman International Union.
The mere initiation of the formal process required for the inclusion of Strongman competitions in the Olympic Games represents a significant milestone. The path to Olympic recognition is challenging, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sets strict criteria that must be met. Key steps include strategic planning, collaboration, and substantial organizational development to ensure the sport meets Olympic standards.
About the IF Forum 2024:
The IF Forum 2024 took place at the prestigious Olympic Museum in Lausanne, the heart of the Olympic Games and a symbol of global sporting excellence. With the breathtaking Lac Léman and the Alps as a backdrop, the museum offers a unique and inspiring setting for the event. The IF Forum is supported by several
long-standing partners, including Explore Edmonton, Sport Event Denmark, Marsh, and the host city of Lausanne. All these partners have been involved in the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit in various capacities over the years.
About The World Strongman International Union
The World Strongman International Union continues to actively work to develop and promote the sport of Strongman globally, and participation in such forums is further proof that the sport is ready to reach new heights. The World Strongman
International Union is a global organization dedicated to developing and popularizing strength sports. The union organizes international Strongman competitions and strives to integrate this sport into the international sports community.
“Participation in the IF Forum 2024 opens new horizons for us to promote Strongman as a future Olympic sport. The World Strongman International Union, under the auspices of Emirates Sports Group, is leading an innovative campaign for the recognition of this unique sport at the Olympic Games. For
the first time from the Middle East, we are presenting a new sports format that combines strength, endurance, and the spirit of competition. We are confident that this will mark a significant milestone in the sports history of the region and the world,” – said Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports Group and President of the World Strongman International Union.
It is worth noting that Vladimir Burdun also paid an official visit to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris earlier this year. This visit was a key moment in the campaign, where Mr. Burdun held official meetings with members of the Olympic Committee and lobbied for the inclusion of Strongman in the Games. These talks are an important step towards the sport’s potential debut at the Olympic Games. The IOC has already given initial positive feedback and expressed its willingness to consider Strongman events in future Olympic competitions. This support brings the Union closer to its
goal of bringing Strongman competitions to the world stage, bringing a new level of recognition to the sport and expanding the diversity of Olympic disciplines.
With this initiative, Emirates Sports Group and the World Strongman International Union are positioning the Middle East as a pioneer in global sports development, championing innovation and expanding the global Olympic movement.
As part of the new Strongman Championship format, a competition was held at the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments earlier this year with participants from over 40 countries. The competitions will now be held annually. Emirates Sports Group, known for its innovative projects in the world of sports and creating international sports trends from the UAE, has cemented its position as a pioneer in sports tourism in the UAE. Emirates Sports Group is developing new sports formats and has created an innovative sports ecosystem in the UAE. Vladimir Burdun, who has lived in the UAE for over 30 years, has played a pivotal role in developing the sports industry and creating international sports formats and unique competitions that have brought international recognition to the UAE.
Vladimir Burdun is known for his pioneering projects in sports. He has launched the world’s first sports hotel – the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments in Dubai – and is now preparing the first professional ice rink in Dubai, the Emirates Sports Ice Rink – the first professional ice rink in the Middle East region.
About Strongman
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. Strongman is based on lifting and moving weights, performed individually or in pairs and measured by time or distance. The sport includes 7 standard disciplines such as Atlas Stones (from 70 kg), Farmers Walk (from 2×75 kg), Deadlift (Axel) (from 130 kg), Dumbbell Lift (from 35 kg), Yoke Carry (from 180 kg) and Sandbag Carry (from 80 kg). The Strongman competitions will feature several weight classes: four for men, five for women, and four for disabled athletes (Parastrongman), ensuring fair
and exciting contests across all categories. Further information can be found at www.WorldStrongman.org
The Strongman competition that was held on 28th March 2024 at the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments in Dubai Sports City was organized 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. Distinguished guests included: Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) – Saeed Hareb; Member of the International Olympic Committee since 2016, President of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) – Ivo Ferriani; President of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports (AIMS), Vice President of SPORTACCORD, Secretary General of the International Muaythai Association (IFMA) – Stephan Fox; CEO of United Through Sports, United Through Sports – Julia Govinden and other senior representatives of international organizations and companies. They received awards for their contributions to the development of the sport. Vladimir Burdun, President of World Strongman, thanked the audience and highlighted the organization’s efforts to include Strongman in the Olympic Games. Starting this year, Dubai will host the World Strongman Championship every March, alongside the annual union meeting.
About the Company:
Emirates Sports Group is a leading sports industry player in the Middle East, focused on developing innovative sports facilities and organizing international events. As an investment company, it drives global sports growth through new formats and trends. With a commitment to visionary projects, Emirates Sports Group combines capital, expertise, and global connections to foster progress and innovation in sports, hospitality, and entertainment, aiming to make a lasting positive impact.
Sports Initiatives:
– World Strongman International Union
– Emirates Hockey
– Dubai Mighty Camels
– ADCS (Association for the Development of Corporate Sports) – Emirates Fight League
Assets in ownership and under management:
– Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments
– Emirates Sports Ice Rink
– Emirates Sports Store
– Emirates Sports Events
– Emirates Sports Facility Management – Emirates Sports Real Estate Broker
– Emirates Sports News
Vladimir Burdun (Serbia/UAE)
- Founder & CEO of Emirates Sports Group
- President of the World Strongman International Union
- Director of Development of the Serbian Boxing Federation
- Chairman of the Dubai Mighty Camels ice hockey team
