As a powerlifter, most of the people around me are familiar with the names IPF and USAPL. But some lifters may not know where to find the affiliated organisation in Hong Kong when they wish to compete. In this article, you can find an introduction of the federations and know more about their operations in Hong Kong!
What is IPF?
Official website: https://www.powerlifting.sport/
International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) is one of the biggest powerlifting federations in the world with over 100 countries joining! They were founded in 1972 with an established set of rules and regulations for athletes, volunteers, organisers and basically anyone affiliated with the association. Athletes are subjected to being drug-tested and might get banned if they get caught cheating.
Another thing that can distinguish IPF lifters from USAPL lifters is their newly introduced bench rule that came into effect in 2023. IPF lifters are not allowed to set up their bench with their feet on the bench. Their rationale was to eliminate the “excessive arch prevalent in the powerlifting community”.
Hong Kong Weightlifting and Powerlifting Association Limited
- Website (inactive): https://www.hkpowerlifting.com/
- Instagram: @hongkongpowerlifting
- Facebook (Inactive): @HKPowerlifting
- Rulebook: World Powerlifting
- Do I need to be a member to compete? No
- Overseas competition: No
- Drug-tested: Yes
- Fee: $100 for registration (one time payment), $200 for regular member (a year), $50 for students at the age of 16-25, $2000 for permanent membership (for those who were members for over 3 years)
(Note: According to the HKWPA’s “Articles of Association” Article No.47, no member of the affiliated organization shall be permitted to participate any competition or display organized by organizations whether affiliated or not affiliated to the HKWPA without prior approval from the HKWPA Executive Committee.)
The federation that is affiliated with IPF in Hong Kong is Hong Kong Weightlifting and Powerlifting Association Limited (HKWPA). HKWPA use the IPF rulebook when they conduct their competitions and all their competitions have drug tests. Athletes that compete at HKWPA can get reimbursed up to 50% of their travelling expenses to compete overseas! Because HKWPA has affiliation with other organisations such as Asian Powerlifting Federation and other olympic lifting associations, athletes can apply through them to compete overseas.
What is USA Powerlifting (USAPL)?
Official website: https://www.usapowerlifting.com/
USA Powerlifting established their organisation in 1981 as a drug free powerlifting association, around 10 years later than IPF. A major attraction for top athletes in the world to compete at USAPL was the fact that top competitors can get chosen and win a Pro Card after competing in the USA Powerlifting Pro Series! We are not sure if the Hong Kong USAPL can send athletes to the Worlds to compete yet but we will let you know once we find out!
USAPL Hong Kong
- Instagram: @usaplhongkong
- Rulebook: USAPL
- Do I need to be a member to compete? Yes
- Overseas competition: Yes
- Drug-tested: Yes
- Affiliated gym: Classics Strength Academy (San Po Kong)
USAPL Hong Kong is very new as they only established themselves in 2022, with their first competition in December 2022. Despite their short history, they have created a massive presence in the Hong Kong powerlifting community as their competition spots (all 80 of them) sold out in a few days after the application link went public! There were overseas athletes coming from Korea and Nepal to compete and it was refreshing to see people cheering for the massive lifts that happened on stage! The prizes for winning are determined by the sponsors and there are no cash prices given out so far.
IPF (HKWPA) vs USAPL HK
More people that competed in the IPF meets train independently with no affiliated gym or team while at the USAPL competition, you can see communities cheering for their athletes. USAPL also has a more cheerful atmosphere with DJs blasting music, nice lighting and beautiful graphic design. AS USAPL is establishing themselves, you can see the effort put into every aspect of the competition (can we talk about the design again). I also think USAPL HK has a stronger social media presence which makes information circulate quicker than other federations.
| IPF | USAPL HK | |
| Membership fee | 200HKD | 65 USD |
| Overseas competitions | Yes | Yes |
| Freedom to join other Federation | No | Yes |
| Feet on bench for setup | No | YES |
| Social Media | No | Yes |
| Competition quality | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Drug-test | Yes (even during off-season) | Yes |
| Sponsors | Yes | Yes |
| Community | More local | Diverse |
Conclusion:
I personally favour USAPL for its potential to grow and the effort the organisers put into their meets. Last December, I joined their inaugural powerlifting competition and I was blown away by the meticulous details put into the meet. However, I think athletes should have the option to compete in as many federations as possible to maximise our opportunity in becoming a seasoned lifter.