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Powerlifting Fiji will use the Oceania Regional Power\u00adlifting Championship as a platform for their athletes to per\u00adform and showcase their talent. <\/span><\/p>\n Team Fiji powerlifting coaching staff member Muzammil Ali told <\/span>SUNsports <\/span><\/em>yesterday, the cham\u00adpionship would give Fiji athletes valuable international experi\u00adence. <\/span><\/p>\n “Hosting the Oceania gives us an opportunity to showcase that growth,” he said. <\/span><\/p>\n “We want our athletes to gain international experience and understand what it takes to com\u00adpete at regional and international level. <\/span><\/p>\n “It is a significant undertak\u00ading for the federation, particu\u00adlarly because Fiji has not hosted this championship for around 20 years, so we want to deliver an event that Fiji and the wider Pa\u00adcific powerlifting community can be proud of.” <\/span><\/p>\n He said the return of the championship to Fiji was significant for the local powerlifting commu\u00adnity, <\/span><\/p>\n “It is extremely special for us. After approximately 20 years, the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championship is coming back to Fiji, and that means a great deal to our powerlifting community,” he said. <\/span><\/p>\n “Powerlifting in Fiji has grown considerably, and we have seen that through the numbers at our local competitions. We will have athletes and officials coming to Fiji from around the region, in\u00adcluding our Pacific neighbours as well as countries such as Austral\u00adia and New Zealand.” <\/span><\/p>\n He also encouraged young peo\u00adple to take up the sport. <\/span><\/p>\n “It is also about legacy. <\/span><\/p>\n “We want young people and people who may never have seen powerlifting at this level to come along, watch the competition and realise that there is a pathway in this sport. We want this champi\u00adonship to help build the next gen\u00aderation of Fijian powerlifters,” Ali said. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n