Gold medallist weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi has set his focus on the World Championship and the end of the year South Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

Rainibogi, 25 returned home yesterday following a successful outing at the 2023 Commonwealth Weightlifting Champion- ship in Delhi, India.

“This is such a special achievement for me and I thank God for giving me the strength,” Rainibopgi said.

“After winning the gold, I’am now focussed on the world meet and Solomon Games.”

Like Rainibogi, Leyna-May Dugu also picked up a gold medal. 18-year-old Dugu who won one gold and one bronze said her commitment and sacrifices at training paid off.

“This was my first international experience and it was a good experience for me,” she said.

For the other team members, Nehemiah Elder won silver while Miriama Taletawa picked up a bronze medal.

Weightlifting Fiji national team Head coach Henry Elder said his athletes got what they deserved.

He said the assistance from the Australian government allowed them to participate in the Commonwealth Games (weightlifting).

“Our social media I continue to thank them because without their assistance we
won’t be able to go to this competition,” Elder said.

“I am now requesting support from the Government to assist weightlifting.

“I guess after this our Government might look for a way to give us assistance.

“The Weightlifting Team Fiji has been winning medals in the last three Common- wealth Games, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

“It is important to get support from our Government.

“Obviously it is challenging for them but it will be good if they look our way.

“We produce results too. We have done it for the last 20 years and we continue to do so.” Edited by Karalani Waqandirola

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