Seven members of Fiji’s national weightlifting team have left for India to compete in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships from August 24-30 in Ahmedabad.
The team includes three women and four men.
The women’s squad features Mereia Turaganivalu (63kg), Chrystalle Kai (69kg) and Miriama Taletawa (86kg), while the men’s team includes Apakuki Tabuawaiwai (65kg), Poama Qaqa (71kg), Daniel Shaw (79kg) and Taniela Rainibogi (110kg).
Head coach Henry Elder said the athletes have been preparing well and are ready for the challenge.
“The team has trained hard for the past few months, and we’re happy with how they’ve performed leading up to the championships,” he said.
Elder explained that the Commonwealth Championships are a key step in Fiji’s road to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.
“This event gives our athletes an opportunity to compete at a high level and put themselves in a strong position for next year’s Games,” he said.
Elder said preparations included intensive training and recovery, with a focus on Olympic lifts and set pieces.
“We’ve focused on fine-tuning technique and keeping the athletes fresh so they can perform at their best,” he said.
Elder also acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, particularly in funding and access to equipment, nutrition and medical support.
“Despite the challenges, our athletes are committed and we’re proud of the effort they’ve put in,” he said.
The team is looking to make a strong impression in Ahmedabad and bring back medals for Fiji.
Elder said the experience will also help in building the next phase of training ahead of the Pacific Cup in Samoa, which will serve as the final qualification for the Commonwealth Games.
The weightlifters departed Fiji this morning and will focus on final preparations once they arrive in India before the championships kick off on Sunday.
Apakuki Tabuwaiwai training at the National Fitness Centre ealier in the month. Picture: JONA KONATACI