Fiji to Host 1200 Weightlifters in September
“We have talents here, we just need to go out and look for them. I believe that weightlifting could be just next to rugby,” Shaw-Elder added.
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | 15:02
Koro Tuiqalau participating in the Weightlifting Fiji club competition at the National Fitness Centre on December 23, 2023. Photo: Sereana Salalo
The World Master Championship from September 23 to 29 will feature 1200 weightlifters from 75 countries.
Weightlifting Fiji president Della Shaw-Elder yesterday confirmed that the event is one of two international events that will be held here.
The other is the Commonwealth senior, junior, youth and Under-23 qualifier event.
WF has booked the Vodafone Arena for the two events, the first in September.
Shaw said the World Masters competition serves as one of many qualification events for those hoping to participate in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia.
“After the two events, then we’ll have a series of competitions which lifters need to attend, to score points,” she said.
“It’s quite difficult for weightlifting because you need to qualify under the top 13, we don’t get wildcards.
“We did not have any rest; we only stopped when the gym was closed for the festive season.
“We have talents here, we just need to go out and look for them. I believe that weightlifting could be just next to rugby,” Shaw-Elder added.
She indicated that Pacific gold medallist Taniela Rainibogi is already ranked number one, in his category for the Commonwealth Games qualifier.
With the number of young lifters in the squad, she believes that WF has a bright future.
“Most of these lifters are at the age 14-18 years-old; they are the people we look at in the next Commonwealth Games,” Shaw-Elder said.
Meanwhile the Oceania Weightlifting Championships for seniors, junior and youth will be held in Auckland, New Zealand on February 21-25.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
