Team Fiji weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana is confident of winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking to SUNsports from New Caledonia yesterday, Ms Cikamatana said she wanted to make her country and family proud.

“Preparation is going well, I’m enjoying it,” Cikamatana said.

“Really need to battle it out, nothing in my mind right now but winning gold medal, it’s do-or-die.

“I want to make my country and family proud again and again.”

It was a good 2017 for Cikamatana breaking the Oceania Commonwealth records, won two silvers and one bronze medal at the IWF Junior World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

She won gold at the Australian Open in the women’s 90kg and at the Commonwealth Championships.

She also won gold at the Martial Arts Asian Indoor Games in Turkmenistan and three gold medals at the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.

Grand celebration plan

Her family and relatives have already planned a grand celebration for Cikamatana after the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking from Tavia,  Levuka yesterday Cikamatana’s mother Makitalena said it would be the celebration of Eileen’s  achievements, including the 2017 Fiji Sportswoman of the Year award.

“Everyone in the family is excited and we are all looking forward to watching her compete at the Commonwealth Games,” Makitalena said.

“We are not boastful but we are having a good feeling our daughter will do well at the Gold Coast.”

Makitalena has confirmed the feast arranged for their golden girl.

“We have our extended Denicagi family the matanivanua (chief’s spokesperson) of Roko Tui Kela of Taviya,  Ovalau who are organising a huge celebration. Our extended families from Suva, Western and Northern divisions  will attend the celebration.

“We will celebrate her Commonwealth Games achievement but her previous achievements as well and her sportswoman award since she was out of the country all this time,” she said.

St John’s College ex-scholars and parents teachers association would also take part in the celebration.

Edited by  Osea  Bola

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