The Fiji men’s weightlifting team will need to finish in the top five and the women’s team in the top four of the 2016 Oceania Weightlifting Championship to be able to select representatives for the Rio Olympics in August.
Fiji Weightlifting President Atma Maharaj says this is a team based event where the points of all weightlifters will be accumulated.
The top 5 countries will have one place each in the Olympics.
Maharaj says 24 local weightlifters will be competing in the championship.
16-year-old weightlifter Eileen Cikanamata will be arriving in the country today while Manueli Tulo arrived last Friday.
Cikanamata and Tulo are the two favorites and are training at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in New Caledonia.
Cikanamata will compete in the 69kg category together with Apolonia Vaivai while Manueli Tulo will compete in the 56kg category.
Entry fee is $5 while children below the age of 12 will be free.
The 2016 Oceania Weightlifting Championship will be held from tomorrow to Saturday at the Vodafone Arena.
Men - Manueli Tulo, Poama Qaqa, Isikeli Dau, William Dannis Bucknell, Charlie Lolohea, Patrick Tawake Veidreyaki, Mesake Raiviu, Kamoe Erasito, Taniela Tikoisuva Rainibogi, Sitiveni Nukuse, Emosi Tabuasuka, Timothy Victor Tuitoga Vakuruivalu, Isaiah Elder and Rehana Tonu.
Women - Seruwaia Malani, Ulina Tinaiadivila Sagone, Julia Ana Timi, Apolonia Vaivai, Eileen Floanna Maria Cikamatana, Maraia Moana, Setaita Matavura Ratubalavu, Filomena Simmons, Sofia Koto Kinikinilau and Ulamila Ceva Lyvon Cirikisuva.
