POWERLIFTER athlete Aiyaz Ali is setting his sights on breaking the 900kg barrier as he prepares to represent Fiji at the Oceania Regional Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships, which begins today at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.
The 120+ kg lifter will compete at the five-day championship from November 2-6, hoping to improve his overall total and make the most of another opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.
Ali, who represented Fiji at the same competition in Christchurch last year, said his preparations had been satisfactory, although there were areas where he could have done better.
“Preparations have been okay, could have been better, but regardless, I got the work done,” Ali said.
He first took up powerlifting in 2023 after a friend introduced him to the sport. He competed in August that year before taking a break and returning in 2024.
His return to the sport saw him join Fiji Strength Systems, where he continued developing his skills and strength.
With another international competition ahead, Ali said his main target was to improve his personal best and achieve the 900kg milestone.
“For this competition, I am just trying to break my total record and hopefully I can break the 900kg barrier that I have been working towards,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of his family, friends, sponsors and training team, saying their contribution had helped him reach a level he had not imagined when he first started.
Ali also has his sights set on representing Fiji at the Junior World Powerlifting Championships, expected to be held in China next year.
“My ultimate goal next year is to represent Fiji in Junior Worlds, which should be held in China,” he said.
He encouraged the public to turn out and support the national team throughout the championship.
“We need your support and would be really grateful if you could come out in numbers to support us at the FMF Gymnasium from November 2-6,” Ali said.
He is confident that with continued hard work and determination, he can achieve his goals and take his powerlifting journey to the world stage.
A total of 54 athletes from Fiji will be competing at the five-day tournament across the eight male and seven female categories.
