Weightlifting Fiji continues to put Fiji on the map on the world weightlifting stage.
This week in honour of the tremendous effort that the Weightlifting Fiji team has shown in winning medals for Fiji at the Commonwealth Championships in India, the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka congratulated the team through a warm reception in Suva.
The seven member squad aged been 15 to 26 won five medals during their competition in India.
The 2023 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships was held in Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India from July 12 to July 16.
The Prime Minister in congratulating the team offered a strong message to the team.
“Whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve it,” he said.
Mr Rabuka in a Government statement acknowledged the support of families and emphasised that preparing for such an international event can be challenging, yet they were able to succeed with the support and prayers of their families.
He on behalf of Government and all Fijians acknowledged the Australian Government for supporting the team throughout the tournament.
Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires to Fiji, Stuart Watts in the statement congratulated the team for their great performance and congratulated them on their achievements.
The funds for the team’s trip was made possible through the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP).
The direct aim program according to the Fiji Government statement supports community led initiatives and project with development focus.
Weightlifting Fiji president Della Shaw-Elder acknowledged the support from the Australian High Commission that enabled them to compete in India.
Mrs Elder highlighted the support of the Australian Government as timely as they were facing financial difficulties.
She also acknowledged the Fiji Government through the National Sports Commission for their support. Leyna-May Domonatani Dugu won two medals in the competition, a gold medal in the junior 87kg division and bronze in the 87kg division.
Taniela Rainibogi won a gold medal in the senior 109 kg division.
Nehemiah Elder won a silver medal in the youth 73 kg division, while Miriama Taletawa won a bronze in the Junior 71 kg division.
The Weightlifting Fiji team was led by head coach Henry Elder, technical coach and president Della Shaw and team manager Sera Vakaloloma.
