Weightlifting Fiji is poised for a momentous year as the national team gears up for the World Cup set to take place in April in Samoa. This event is particularly pivotal as it will run concurrently with the Commonwealth Championships and the Oceania Championships, serving as a vital final qualification opportunity for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Head coach Henry Elder has underscored the significance of this busy schedule, framing it as both a challenge and a chance for Fiji’s weightlifters to shine. “Next year brings a big year for us,” he stated. “Our first major competition is the World Cup in Samoa in April, coinciding with the Commonwealth and Oceania Championships. This is a crucial event for us, as it represents the final opportunity to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”
Elder expresses optimism regarding Fiji’s potential fortunes, targeting multiple qualification slots for the Commonwealth Games given the rigorous standards across the Commonwealth. “We aim to qualify about six athletes for those Games. In weightlifting, we need to finish in the top eight to qualify outright, meaning we must secure a position among the top eight in the Commonwealth.”
With preparations underway, the coach remains hopeful that his athletes will rise to the occasion, seeking to achieve significant individual and national accomplishments on the international stage. This is a time of excitement and anticipation, focusing not only on qualifications but also on showcasing the talent and potential of Fiji’s weightlifters globally. As they look forward to the competitions ahead, the spirit and determination of the squad reflect Fiji’s commitment to excellence in weightlifting.