The Fiji Powerlifting Federation has announced a robust 10-member team for the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships 2014, set to take place in Nauru from October 30 to November 2. This news was confirmed by Federation general president Viliame Lagonilakeba.
The delegation comprises six athletes and four officials. Lagonilakeba acknowledged the challenges that await in Nauru, noting that powerlifting is a significant part of the local culture, and that the nation has produced numerous world champions, earning a reputation as one of the strongest powerlifting countries globally.
He expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting their readiness to compete and their eagerness to measure their abilities against the region’s top competitors.
The athletes representing Fiji include 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, and both Muzammil Ali and Kurt Wise in the Men’s Open U120kg, with Wise serving as the team captain.
The team’s officials include head coach Eric Jioje (non-travelling), Ryan Bale (non-travelling), assistant coach Salacieli Koroi (travelling), and Jessa May Banchod (travelling team manager and doctor).