The Eastern division showcased its strength and determination by decisively defeating the defending champions from the West during the annual East versus West showdown organized by the Fiji Powerlifting Federation. The event took place at Rabuka Gym in Suva on Saturday, marking a significant comeback for the East after losing the competition last year.
This year, the East dominated the event, earning a remarkable 13 gold medals while the West managed to secure only four. A total of 32 lifters, consisting of 28 men and four women aged from 16 to 41, participated in the competition, all vying for the prestigious East vs. West trophy.
Notably, Susana Qionibaravi emerged victorious in her category, the women’s 84kg division, and also clinched the Overall Women’s Gold. Fiji Powerlifting Federation president Ryan Bale highlighted Susana’s excellent performance, indicating her status as a key athlete in the competition.
In the men’s 120kg division, a thrilling contest unfolded between junior lifter Aiyaz Ali and veteran Gardiner Whiteside. Aiyaz narrowly secured the win with a total lift of 810kg, just edging out Gardiner’s total of 805kg, illustrating the competitive spirit of the event.
Bale expressed satisfaction with both the athletes’ performances and the turnout, noting the electric atmosphere created by enthusiastic spectators. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering community spirit and promoting the sport in Fiji, anticipating even greater intensity in next year’s showdown.
The East vs. West event is a significant fixture on the Fiji Powerlifting Federation’s calendar and reflects the growing popularity of powerlifting in the region. With continued support and participation, the future looks promising for the sport in Fiji, suggesting that the nation might soon see even more remarkable talents emerge on the international stage.
As the federation gears up for future competitions, including the upcoming Oceania Powerlifting Championship, the momentum built from this year’s event reaffirmed the commitment to nurturing a thriving powerlifting community in Fiji.
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