The Fiji Powerlifting Federation concluded its fourth and final competition of the year with the National Powerlifting Championship on September 14 at the University of the South Pacific Fitness Centre. The year began with a novice competition, which sparked significant interest in the sport.
Federation president Viliame Laginikoro noted that the championship, now a key event in the powerlifting calendar, attracted over 46 competitors, featuring both seasoned lifters and rising talents, particularly among women. “The atmosphere was electric,” Laginikoro remarked, highlighting the Federation’s commitment to promoting the sport in the wake of its recent success at the Pacific Games.
A significant increase in female participation was evident this year, with many competitive female lifters taking the stage alongside a strong representation of sub-junior (under 18) and junior (19-23) athletes. Laginikoro emphasized that the energy and competitiveness of these younger participants added excitement to the event.
The competition saw outstanding performances, with 22 national records broken across both men’s and women’s divisions and many athletes achieving personal bests. Notably, several competitors successfully lifted weights of 300 kg and above.
The event fostered a strong sense of camaraderie, with athletes supporting one another while fiercely competing for top honors. Experienced lifters provided mentorship to younger competitors, encouraging them to exceed their limits.
Laginikoro indicated that this year’s championship stood out due to strict adherence to competition rules and standards. “The event was meticulously run to mimic international competition conditions, which is part of our strategy to enhance the quality of competition,” he said.
Special thanks were given to Chairman’s gym for supplying the calibrated plates used during the event, as well as to FASANOC for providing new powerlifting bars. These provisions offered athletes a taste of international standards, which is crucial for their development.
“Experiencing this level of competition locally helps athletes mentally and physically prepare for future challenges, instilling discipline, precision, and strategic planning,” Laginikoro noted.
He also expressed gratitude to Pacific Energy for their generous support, which was vital for the event’s success. With the National Championship behind them, the Federation is now focused on the Oceania Powerlifting Championship, scheduled for October 30 to November 2, 2024, in Nauru.
The Federation is currently finalizing the team that will represent Fiji and is working with the Fiji Sports Commission to secure funding for the team’s participation. They are inviting corporate entities and stakeholders to support these athletes as they aim to showcase Fiji on the international stage.
The National Championship has firmly established the rapid growth of powerlifting in Fiji, and with ongoing support, the Federation is optimistic about Fiji’s future impact at the highest levels of international powerlifting.