Weightlifting number one ranked junior athlete in the world Eileen Cikamatana joined Team Fiji in Turkmenistan yesterday.

The No.1 ranked athlete in the 90kg category in the Commonwealth will compete for the first time in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Cikamatana said while it would be good to win a gold medal for Fiji, her focus is doing the best and improving.

“Turkmenistan is such a beautiful country and very interesting but the flight was tiring. There was not enough rest for me,” she said.

“I want to do my best, especially against bigger countries, even though I have done well in Australia. This is a new competition and I need to be at the top of my game.

“I’m not interested in other athletes. My focus is on my own lifts and what I can do to improve.

“I want to do well in the snatch and surpass my personal best which is 110kg.

“I would want to win gold for Fiji, especially being the first time we are competing.

“My main goal is the Commonwealth Games next year and I am doing everything I can to make sure I am ready for that.

“So the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games came in at the right time to help me in my preparations.

“I got to where I am because I worked hard, I believe if you commit yourself, you get what you want, all you need is to sacrifice and you will reach what you never dreamed of.

“Being with my fellow Fijian lifters I feel more at home because when I’m in Australia or New Caledonia I’m the only Fijian. So it is nice to be among my friends and family. I cannot wait to start competitions,” she added.

 -FASANOC

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