Jerusalem-based international powerlifter Ashraf Salaimeh achieved a historic accomplishment for Palestinian powerlifting, winning Palestine's first-ever international gold medal at the World Powerlifting Championship, held in Cairo, Egypt. The championship featured more than 600 male and female players representing 30 countries, including world champions from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Romania.

Al-Salaymeh expressed his deep gratitude to the Jerusalemite sports community and the sports media who followed his journey in the tournament, praising the support he received from the President of the Palestinian Federation, Fares Hijazi, the President of the Arab Federation, Major General Mahmoud Barakat, and the Arab athletes who supported him during the competitions. He also extended his thanks to the members of the Palestinian delegation, headed by his brother, Hajj Awad Al-Salaymeh, and international referee Nasser Qaws, in addition to the Jerusalemite clubs such as the Rock Gym Club, Hilal Al-Quds Club, and the Quds Gathering Club, as well as the Al-Salaymeh family who accompanied him throughout his journey in the tournament.

Al-Salaymeh emphasized that winning the gold medal is a great responsibility, asking, "What comes after the world gold medal?" He expressed his aspiration to achieve more accomplishments and raise the Palestinian flag in international forums.

The Palestinian delegation to the tournament included: President of the Palestinian Arm Wrestling Federation, Fares Hijazi; Asian referee Nasser Qaws; Federation advisor Hajj Awad Al-Salaymeh, who participated in the Pioneers meetings as a representative of the Jerusalem Pioneers Sports Forum; and the delegation's physician, Dr. Ashraf Al-Salaymeh, Director General of the Bisan Medical Center.

This achievement represents a milestone in the history of Jerusalemite and Palestinian sports, and underscores the determination of Palestinian athletes to achieve excellence despite all challenges.