The Fiji Powerlifting Federation has announced a robust 10-member squad for the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships 2014, which will take place in Nauru from October 30 to November 2. Federation general president Viliame Lagonilakeba confirmed this information yesterday, stating that the team includes six athletes and four officials.
Lagonilakeba acknowledged the challenges of competing in Nauru, noting the strong powerlifting tradition within the country, which has produced numerous world champions and earned a reputation as one of the toughest powerlifting nations globally. He expressed confidence that the athletes are well-prepared and eager to test their abilities against some of the finest competitors in the region.
The Fiji team comprises the following athletes: Vivaan Patel in the Men’s sub-junior U83kg category, Vinesh Chand in the Men’s Open U74kg category, Faga Varea in the Men’s Open U93kg category, Muzammil Ali in the Men’s Open U120kg category, and Kurt Wise, who serves as the captain, also in the Men’s Open U120kg category.
The team officials include Eric Jioje as the head coach (non-traveling), Ryan Bale (non-traveling), Salacieli Koroi as the assistant coach (traveling), and Jessa May Banchod, who acts as both team manager and doctor (traveling).