Powerlifters from around the country are gearing up for the first championship to be staged in September.

Fiji Powerlifting Federation president, Eliesa Irava says despite the lack of competition, the minor sport has been able to draw quite a number of young enthusiasts.

Irava says they are looking to train the young athletes for the Oceania tournament at the end of the year.

“We have quite a big bunch of sub juniors. Most of these athletes are between the ages of 14 to 17.So we can say that the interest is growing.”

Fiji power-lifters pulled a surprise in the last Oceania tournament bagging five gold medals.