Levuka Weightlifting Suspended

Weightlifting Fiji (WF) has suspended the Levuka Weightlifting Club (LVC) as from June 10.

Despite the attempts by the Fiji Association of Sports National Olympic Committee to resolve the impasse, the LVC decided to continue boycotting after Hossein Tavakoli was appointed national coach. In a statement WF said: “It notes and accepts the withdrawal of the LWC, its officials and athletes from the Oceania Championships and accepted their decision with regret and disappointment.

“The withdrawal by Eileen Cikamatana from the Oceania Championships and the Junior and Senior World Championships in support of the boycott is similarly accepted with dismay and sorrow.

“Their actions have brought disrepute to WF.

“LWC indicated to FASANOC that they were prepared to have a dialogue with the WF executive board, on the condition that the meeting is facilitated by FASANOC for Sunday 10th June at 10am at Olympic House. But LWC officials and athletes did not attend. WF has already paid travel and accommodation costs totaling approximately $46,000 for Fiji’s participation at the Oceania Championships.

“This payment was done before the boycott and this boycott has set WF back substantially in financial terms.

“WF is mindful of protecting the interests of the athletes, and as such, athletes under suspension may return to participating in WF activities, by formally disassociating themselves from the boycott. WF has set procedures in place for athletes to follow if they wish to return to WF activities.”