Fiji’s weightlifters will get their first chance to begin the road to the 2028 Olympic Games when they compete at the World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China from the 25th of October to the 8th of November.

Head Coach Henry Elder says the championships will provide an important benchmark for Fiji’s lifters, with the competition also serving as the first official Olympic qualifying event.

With athletes grouped from A to E, Elder expects a highly competitive field and believes the experience will expose Fiji’s lifters to the standard required at the highest level.

“And it is a really, really intense programme because it’s the first official qualifying event for the Olympic Games. And for the first time, we will have groups up to E. So it’s going to be a really packed competition. And it’s going to be very, very tough.”

The team will also take part in workshops and a training camp during the championships, adding further value to the trip.

“There’s going to be a bit of a camp and some workshops happening at the same time. So we’re really excited about that too.”

Elder says the focus is not only on performance in China, but on building the experience and consistency needed as Fiji targets Olympic qualification.

The experience in Ningbo will be crucial as Fiji’s lifters look to measure themselves against the world’s best and build momentum towards the 2028 Olympic Games.