The Fiji Powerlifting Federation concluded its fourth and final competition of the year with the National Powerlifting Championship held on September 14 at the University of the South Pacific Fitness Centre. The year began with a novice competition, and since then, enthusiasm for the sport has significantly increased.
Viliame Laginikoro, president of the Fiji Powerlifting Federation, noted that this weekend’s championship featured over 46 athletes, marking it as one of the largest powerlifting events in the country. He described the championship as a highlight of the powerlifting calendar, showcasing a thrilling mix of experienced lifters and rising stars, particularly among female competitors.
This event reflects the Federation’s dedication to promoting the sport and leveraging its recent successes at the Pacific Games. A noteworthy aspect this year was the increased participation of female athletes. Laginikoro commended the number of competitive female lifters and highlighted the strong presence of sub-junior and junior athletes, whose involvement not only added energy to the event but also indicated a promising future for powerlifting in Fiji.
The championship saw impressive performances, with 22 national records broken in both men’s and women’s categories. Many athletes recorded personal bests, and there were numerous successful lifts of 300 kg and above. The day was characterized by sportsmanship, with athletes supporting each other while competing fiercely. The community spirit was evident, as seasoned lifters guided younger athletes to push their limits.
One of the distinguishing features of this year’s competition was the strict adherence to rules and standards. The event was meticulously organized to replicate the conditions of international competitions, enhancing the professionalism of the event. Laginikoro expressed gratitude to Chairman’s gym for providing calibrated plates and to FASANOC for supplying new powerlifting bars, which contributed to the event’s success.
He emphasized that such rigorous competition benefits athletes by preparing them for high standards they will face globally, fostering discipline, precision, and strategic planning essential for elite success.
Laginikoro extended his thanks to Pacific Energy for their significant support in making the event successful. With the National Championship completed, the Federation is now focused on the Oceania Powerlifting Championship scheduled for Nauru from October 30 to November 2, 2024. The Federation is finalizing the team to represent Fiji and is collaborating with the Fiji Sports Commission to secure funding for the team. They encourage corporate sponsors and stakeholders to support the athletes as they aim for success on the international stage.
This National Championship has solidified the rapid growth of powerlifting in Fiji, and with ongoing support, the Federation is confident that Fiji will soon be making a significant impact at the highest levels of international powerlifting.