Six weightlifters that competed at the recent Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu have qualified for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in April.

They are gold medalists Manueli Tulo, Eileen Cikamatana and Apolonia Vaivai and silver medalists Seruwaia Malani, Poama Qaqa and Taniela Rainibogi.

Weightlifting Fiji general secretary Ritesh Ratiram said preparation is underway as they are expecting more weightlifters to qualify soon.

“We are expecting more to qualify when the latest ranking list comes out from the International Weightlifting Federation and Commonwealth Games committee. We may have nine athletes which would be a huge achievement for weightlifting,” Ratiram said.

Weightlifters Apoloni Vavai(left) and Maria Liku (right) raising the Fiji Flag and showcasing their spoils during the Pacific Mini Games . Photo: Peni Komaisavai.

“This would be the highest number of athletes qualifying for the games from Fiji.

“Our weightlifters are currently in camp in Baba, Levuka, Ovalau preparing for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Weightlifting Fiji aims to make a mark.

“I am very pleased with our performance at the Pacific Mini Games where we have managed to win 9 gold, 5 silver and 10 medals and setting one new Commonwealth record by Cikamatana.”

The other sports qualified so far are rugby sevens, beach volleyball and netball.

Edited by Osea Bola

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