Seven youth compete in the Weightlifting, Powerlifting & Bodybuilding National Championship 2023

Last Thursday was the 2023 National Championship of the Niue Weightlifting, World Powerlifting Niue and Niue Bodybuilding Associations. The event took place at Clayton Clubs in Alofi South.

The programme included words of welcome by Niue Weightlifting President Narita Viliamu-Tahega, experienced and qualified official and athlete of weightlifting and powerlifting Alan Tano Puleosi, Niue Bodybuilding Vice President Jack Jnr. Feleti and Minister for Sports Hon. Sonya Talagi.

According to Tano, Niue will be hosting the Oceania Championships in 2024 next year.

Minister Sonya Talagi shared her thoughts of concerns on the state and governance of sports on the island. She shared a promise to ensure a way forward from the disconnect of sports codes and the governing body NISCGA.

Minister Talagi said that she had recently signed a letter of intent with NISCGA to review its constitution.

Following the speeches were the long anticipated events. First with weightlifting was one and only girl competitor Krisalyn Sipeni from the village of Tamakautoga, performing the clean and jerk.

After the weightlifting, the powerlifting competitors performed only the deadlift with three attempts. The six competitors included four Niue High School students McFitu Tukuniu, Aelani Mautama, Jazeiah Ikitule and Krisalyn Sipeni, and two newcomers Sean Solano and Helemoni Pao.

Finishing off the events for the evening was bodybuilding with one and only entry JinNam Hopotoa.