Over the years our focus was on meeting the requirements along with compliances set by the various Fiji sports bodies.
Fiji Powerlifting Federation President, Viliame Lagonilakeba stated this saying they were also focused on making powerlifting known through local competitions across Fiji but they need funding like all other minor sports.
Lagonilakeba says over the years, they have seen an increasing interest in the sport, especially the young ones with a growing number of women joining in.
He says they had a remarkable moment when a self-supported athlete competed in Hong Kong's Asia Pacific Championships, clinching bronze in Squat and deadlift, not to mention the two silver medals in the Pacific Games, a step up from their performance in 2019.
The Federation President says it has not been easy as they are facing two significant hurdles.
He says firstly, their athletes lack access to proper training resources, especially the specialized equipment used in international competitions which makes it tough for them to adjust when they are exposed to international competitions.
Lagonilakeba says secondly, financial constraints have kept them from exposing their athletes to international competitions.
The Federation President says this puts them at a disadvantage in terms of getting the full growth and performance out of their athletes compared to other nations.
He says small island nations like Nauru have invested substantially in these things and have been a powerhouse in competitions like the Pacific Games and Oceania Competitions scooping majority medals in all the categories.
Lagonilakeba says if Nauru can do it, he does not see why they should not be getting the same support from government and he shares this testament not only for powerlifting but for all other minor sports out there.
He says this sport has a proud history of bringing home numerous medals for Fiji and their aim is to reach those heights again but with a strong emphasis on good core values and fostering a supportive and positive culture within the sport.
The Federation President says looking ahead to 2024, they have got plans brewing with short and long-term strategies in the works to tackle their challenges head-on.
He says they will be also focusing on training referees and coaches to international standards and building a solid administration team because a team of experts is key to their sport's future.
Lagonilakeba says they are now aiming to send a team to the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships that has been proposed to be held in New Caledonia.
With the right backing, they are certain they can do wonders for our country.
