On March 6, 2025, the IBSA Executive Board held an important online meeting to discuss key issues related to governance, finance, and sports development. Under the leadership of IBSA President Ilgar Rahimov, significant initiatives were reviewed, and important decisions were made. Below are the key points:

✅ Update on the Athletes’ Council Leadership
Following an appeal from former Chairperson Iida Kauppila, the board discussed changes in the leadership of the Athletes’ Council. IBSA Executive Board member Mads Baulund presented the information about the appointment of a new Chairperson for the Athletes’ Council. The new Chairperson, elected from the current members of the Council, Sela Odhiambo (Kenya), was officially confirmed in this role, reinforcing IBSA’s commitment to strengthening the athletes’ voice.

✅ Classification System Reform

IBSA Vice President Joe Walsh presented an update on the reforms in the classification system for visually impaired (VI) athletes. This is an important step in ensuring fairness and transparency in the classification of athletes with visual impairments. Increasing investments from IBSA and its members, enhancing the classification system, conducting training sessions to improve classifier qualifications, and strengthening cooperation with the IPC are key elements of this ongoing reform.

✅ Financial Report and Audit Preparation for 2024
Executive Director Rufat Hajili presented the preliminary financial report for 2024 and discussed preparations for the audit of IBSA’s financial activities. Transparency and financial sustainability remain top priorities for the organization.

✅ Review Project Progress and Date for IBSA General Assembly 2025
The Executive Board discussed the progress of the IBSA Review Project aimed at improving the organization’s structure and processes. The preliminary date for the IBSA General Assembly 2025 was set for mid-October 2025. The specific date will be announced to IBSA members in the near future, in accordance with the IBSA Constitution.

✅ Updated Rules and Development Plans for IBSA Powerlifting
The Chairperson of the IBSA Powerlifting Committee, Tinatin Revasashvili, presented the updated rules for powerlifting and the strategic development plan for this sport within IBSA.

✅ Appointments to IBSA Classification Leadership Positions
The meeting approved key appointments for the leadership positions in the IBSA classification system. IBSA Vice President Joe Walsh presented the candidates for these important positions, and the Executive Board supported the following appointments:

• Dunera Ilako (Kenya)
• Filip Beranek (Czech Republic)
• Rokiah Omar (Malaysia)

The appointment of these experts will strengthen the classification work and ensure high standards in athlete assessment.

✅ Decisions Made Between Board Meetings
Between the IBSA Executive Board meetings from November 2024 to March 2025, 23 important decisions were made in a working capacity regarding the regulation of IBSA activities. These decisions aimed at improving governance, processes, and internal coordination within the organization.

Additionally, other important matters were discussed, including the ratification of decisions made between meetings.