Oceania Powerlifting back after 20 years
Ali said the Turner Classic Nationals was held to honour former Fiji powerlifter Sainimili Turner, known as the “Iron Lady of Fiji” in the powerlifting community.
Thursday 20 August 2026 | 11:00
Sainimili Turner (right) at Rabuka Gym, Suva on August 15, 2026.
Photo: Powerlifting Fiji Media
Powerlifting Fiji is preparing to host the Oceania Powerlifting Regional Championships for the first time in 20 years.
The championship will be from November 2-6.
Speaking to SUNsports during the Turner Classic Nationals at the Rabuka Gym, last Saturday, Powerlifting Fiji committee member Neha Ali said the national team would be selected after the competition.
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“After this Turner Classic Nationals, we will select our team for the Regional Powerlifting Championships, which we are hosting in Fiji this year,” Ali said.
“After a lapse of 20 years, it has come back to Fiji and we will be hosting countries like Australia, New Zealand and all our Pacific families.”
Ali said the Turner Classic Nationals was held to honour former Fiji powerlifter Sainimili Turner, known as the “Iron Lady of Fiji” in the powerlifting community.
“She’s the one who started it and opened the doors for females like me to come in, compete and take powerlifting to another level,” she said.
She said the outstanding female lifter based on International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) points would receive the Sainimili Turner Trophy.
“We’ll be doing a special presentation in her honour. It’s a good way to honour her legacy and keep it going with us,” she said.
A total of 55 lifters competed over two days, including masters, heavyweights, sub-juniors and women’s categories.
