The Fiji Powerlifting Federation has announced a strong 10-member team for the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships 2014, which will take place in Nauru from October 30 to November 2. This was confirmed by Federation president Viliame Lagonilakeba.
The team comprises six athletes and four officials. Lagonilakeba expressed that competing in Nauru will present significant challenges, as powerlifting is an integral part of their culture and the country has produced many world champions, earning a reputation as one of the world’s toughest powerlifting nations.
Despite the challenges, Lagonilakeba noted that the Fiji team is confident and well-prepared, ready to test their strength and skills against top competitors from the region.
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, Muzammil Ali in the Men’s Open U120kg, and Kurt Wise, also in the Men’s Open U120kg, who will serve as the team captain.
The officials for the squad are Eric Jioje as the non-travelling head coach, Ryan Bale as a non-travelling official, Salacieli Koroi as the travelling assistant coach, and Jessa May Banchod serving as the travelling team manager and doctor.