Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder is confident about his team’s performance at the Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau, from June 27- July 9.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Elder said all their athletes are medal prospects in their respective categories.

“We have a young team mixed with a few of our senior lifters,” he said.

“There is competition everywhere but we know we are up for the challenge and we will show them what we can do.”

The weightlifting team will have the services of 2023 Sportsman of the Year, Taniela Raibogi, who is also leading the team.

“We got huge potential to win medals in our categories. The onus is on our players to show up on game day,” Elder said.

Despite the team having a few niggling injuries, Elder said they would be 100 per cent ready before they leave our shores.

“We have to be really ready both physically and mentally.

“We cannot afford to be not ready because it will only cost us,” he said.

World Youth champion Nehemiah Elder will also feature at the Games.

“Nehemiah is a strong young man at 16 years old.

“He knows the expectations but he will look to beat his current personal best, which is possible,” Elder said.

Nehemiah who made the headlines with his three gold medal win at the recent IWF World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Lima, Peru, knows he has the onus to break another Pacific record.

“He can do it; I know he can but it is up on game day, that is very crucial,” Elder added.

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