Rainibogi breaks two Games records to win Commonwealth gold

Weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi became the fourth Fiji athlete to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

On Thursday night (Fiji time) Rainibogi delivered a remarkable performance to win the gold medal in the 110kg (kilogrammes) competition where he broke two Game records. He made a total lift of 378kg, recording 170kg in the snatch and 208kg in the clean and jerk. His exceptional effort secured Fiji’s place at the top of the podium, ahead of England’s Cyrille Tchatchet II and Canada’s Xavier Lusignan.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, congratulated Rainibogi for winning the country’s first gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Fiji’s other Commonwealth Games gold medal winners are Sani Fine (Amateur Boxing, 1982 in Brisbane, Australia), Nacanieli Takayawa (Judo, 2002 in Manchester, England) and Eileen Cikamatana (Weightlifting, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia).

Saukuru said Rainibogi’s achievement is a proud moment for Fiji and reflects years of dedication, sacrifice, and hard work.

He also acknowledged the dedication of the coaching staff, officials, and Team Fiji management for their continued commitment to developing elite athletes capable of competing on the international stage.

Still hope for Daunakamakama

Meanwhile, another medal prospect, women amateur boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama steps into the ring tonight for her 57kg semi-final fight. If she wins, Daunakamakama will qualify for the gold medal play-off but if she loses then she is in contention for a bronze medal.