The Fiji Powerlifting Federation has announced a strong 10-member team set to compete in 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.
The team will consist of six athletes and four officials. Lagonilakeba noted the challenges of competing in Nauru, emphasizing that powerlifting is a significant part of their culture, with many world champions hailing from the region, making it one of the toughest nations in the sport. He expressed confidence in the readiness of the Fijian athletes, who are eager to showcase their strength and skills against the best competitors in Oceania.
The Fijian squad includes the following athletes: Vivaan Patel in the Men’s sub-junior U83kg category, Vinesh Chand in the Men’s Open U74kg, Faga Varea in the Men’s Open U93kg, Muzammil Ali in the Men’s Open U120kg, and Kurt Wise, the captain, also in the Men’s Open U120kg category.
The officials accompanying the team are head coach Eric Jioje (Non-travelling), Ryan Bale (Non-travelling), assistant coach Salacieli Koroi (Travelling), and team manager/doctor Jessa May Banchod (Travelling).