The Heads of Asia Games are considering allowing Oceania Weightlifting to participate in the Asian Games in the future. This was confirmed by the President of SASNOC, Samoa, as well as the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation.
Tuaopepe was invited to present medals at the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) in Japan last week.
The Asian Games is a large sports event held every four years for athletes from all over Asia.
It is the second-largest multi-sport event in the world, with only the Olympic Games being bigger. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) runs the Games, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes them.
Tuaopepe received a V.I.P invitation to present medals at the event.
“I was invited as a special V.I.P guest to present medals on behalf of Oceania,” he said.
“This is my first time to an Asian Games and hopefully next Asian Games will have a team participating.”
Tuaopepe told SGN discussions were made for Asia and Oceania to work together.
“We had some great discussions with heads of the Asia Games and IWF into future participation of Oceania Weightlifting teams in the Asia Games,” he said.
“In consideration now and they’ve given their support towards it for Asia and Oceania to work together. Asia much higher level of competition. 16 world records were broken.”
“One of the divisions I had the honour to present the medals, breaking 3 world records, women’s 61kg.”
Tuaopepe said Samoa or any country from Oceania had never participated in the Asian Games before.
“We are working together with the Asia Games and IWF to get Oceania countries in Weightlifting only to be included,” he added.
Tuaopepe acknowledged the Asian Games organizing committee and IWF for the VIP invitation as a special guest of the Asian Games.
The next Asian Games will be held in Doha, Qatar, in 2030, following the conclusion of the ongoing 2026 event.
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