Weightlifting Fiji is preparing for an important year as the national squad gears up for the World Cup in Samoa in April. This event holds special significance as it will coincide with both the Commonwealth Championships and Oceania Championships, representing the final opportunities for athletes to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Head coach Henry Elder expressed optimism about the upcoming challenges and opportunities that the busy schedule presents for Fiji’s lifters. He stated, “For next year, we’ve got a big year planned. The first major competition for us is in April; that’s the World Cup in Samoa. At the same time, they will be running the Commonwealth Championships and also the Oceania Championships concurrently. That’s a big event for us, and it’s the final qualifiers for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”
Elder is hopeful that Fiji can secure several spots for the upcoming Games, noting that the qualification standards are notably high across the Commonwealth. “Hopefully, we’ll get probably about six athletes to qualify for those Games. For weightlifting, we have to qualify in the top eight to qualify outright, top eight in the Commonwealth,” he added.
As preparations are already in full swing, the coach maintains a strong belief that his athletes will rise to the occasion. The commitment and potential of the weightlifting squad paint a promising picture for Fiji as they move closer to this pivotal moment in their sporting calendar. With determination and hard work, the team is poised for an exciting year ahead.
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