Teams From Around World Fly In To Fiji For International Weightlifting Federation Junior World Championships
“It’s an unusual venue simply because it is so far away. But otherwise we are delighted to be here despite the heat and humidity, which we will have to adjust to during the competition,”
Tuesday 28 May 2019 | 13:28
Denmark’s Christian Holm training at the Rabuka Gym in Suva on May 27, 2019. Photo: Simione Haravanua
Teams from around the world have started arriving for the 2019 IWF Junior World Championships, the biggest weightlifting meet to be held in Fiji.
One of the first teams to arrive in the country was Denmark, with a small squad of two male athletes – Omed Alam in the 81kg category and Christian Holm in the 89kg.
Head coach David Havmand says they are aiming for a top 10 finish in both categories and would use their time in Fiji to gain crucial experience for future competitions.
The meet is also a gold qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“With our small team, we are here to learn because the two categories we are participating in is fiercely competitive,” the coach said.
Fiji is hosting the meet for the first time in its 44-year history, which Havman says is huge for the sport and will contribute to its growth locally.
“It’s an unusual venue simply because it is so far away. But otherwise we are delighted to be here despite the heat and humidity, which we will have to adjust to during the competition,” he added.
From left Christian Holm, David Havmand and Omed Alam of team Denmark at the Rabuka gym on May 27,2019.Photo:Simione Haravanua.
Seven out of the 48 participating teams have arrived in the country, with more expected to in the coming days.
Iran, the United States, China and Turkey will be among the strongest teams at the meet, with Olympic level athletes in their respective squads.
Senior International Weightlifting Federation officials are also expected to be in the country for the duration of the meet.
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj
