Fijian weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi has been chosen as the flag bearer for Team Fiji during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, marking the commencement of the games, which will run until December 2.
Team Fiji’s Chef de Mission Ajay Ballu confirmed Rainibogi’s selection.
Rainibogi was chosen from a pool of five nominations, with the final decision made in consultation with all national federations and athletes.
Rainibogi, who secured a gold medal at the recent Commonwealth Championship in India said it was an honour to represent the country, the sport of weightlifting as well as his family.
“This flag bearer means a lot to me,” Rainibogi said. “It is an honour. I just want to wish all the best to my teammates and Team Fiji.”
Rainibogi picked up the Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s 109kg class by lifting 163kg in the snatch and 200kg in the clean and jerk, amassing a total 263kg.
The 2023 Pacific Games hold historical significance as they are being hosted in the Solomon Islands for the first time in the history of the regional games.
