Fiji lifter Tabuawaiwai opens Commonwealth Championship in India with personal best in clean and jerk
Fiji’s Apakuki Tabuawaiwai, 23, got off to a strong start at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in India, claiming a personal best in the clean and jerk with a 120kg lift on his third and final attempt after easing through his first two attempts. In the snatch, he cleared 80kg and 85kg but narrowly missed his final 90kg attempt.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the lord for giving me the strength and the courage to represent him and my country at this championship in India. I did my best during my lifts on Monday and I believe I did well,” Tabuawaiwai said, also expressing gratitude to his Fiji-based family for their ongoing encouragement and support as he prepared for the event.
Team context and schedule
Tabuawaiwai is part of a seven-member Fiji squad that travelled to Ahmedabad, India, for the championships. The group includes three women—Mereia Turaganivalu (63kg), Chrystalle Kai (69kg) and Miriama Taletawa (86kg)—and four men—Apakuki Tabuawaiwai (65kg), Poama Qaqa (71kg), Daniel Shaw (79kg) and Taniela Rainibogi (110kg). Head coach Henry Elder said the squad has trained hard and is ready for the challenge, noting the Commonwealth Championships are a crucial step on Fiji’s route toward the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He also pointed to funding gaps and limited access to equipment, nutrition and medical support as ongoing hurdles, but praised the lifters for their commitment and pride in representing Fiji.
The competition wraps up this weekend, with the Fiji team scheduled to return home on Sunday.
Added context
This event is part of Fiji’s broader program to build momentum in weightlifting, using international championships to test athletes against top competition and position them for future major events. The squad has been focused on refining technique and maintaining lifters’ readiness to perform at their best despite resource challenges, aiming for medals and qualification milestones ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Games.
Summary
Tabuawaiwai’s opening performance signals solid momentum for Fiji’s weightlifting program as a seven-athlete squad competes in Ahmedabad, eyeing medals and a pathway toward Glasgow 2026.
editor’s notes
– Consider adding a brief profile on Tabuawaiwaiwai’s progression and past results to give readers more background.
– Update readers with final results after the weekend, including any changes to the team’s schedule or further PBs.
– If possible, include reaction from other team members to provide a fuller picture of Fiji’s performance in India.
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