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Powerlifting Fiji is preparing to host the Oceania Powerlifting Regional Championships for the first time in 20 years.<\/span><\/p>\n The championship will be from November 2-6.<\/span><\/p>\n Speaking to SUNsports during the Turner Classic Nationals at the Rabuka Gym, last Saturday, Powerlifting Fiji committee member Neha Ali said the national team would be selected after the competition.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAfter this Turner Classic Nationals, we will select our team for the Regional Powerlifting Championships, which we are hosting in Fiji this year,\u201d Ali said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAfter a lapse of 20 years, it has come back to Fiji and we will be hosting countries like Australia, New Zealand and all our Pacific families.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ali said the Turner Classic Nationals was held to honour former Fiji powerlifter Sainimili Turner, known as the \u201cIron Lady of Fiji\u201d in the powerlifting community.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s the one who started it and opened the doors for females like me to come in, compete and take powerlifting to another level,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n She said the outstanding female lifter based on International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) points would receive the Sainimili Turner Trophy.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be doing a special presentation in her honour. It\u2019s a good way to honour her legacy and keep it going with us,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n A total of 55 lifters competed over two days, including masters, heavyweights, sub-juniors and women\u2019s categories.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n