Riria Ropata – Repeat Powerlifting Champion

Asia Pacific Women’s 84+kgs Powerlifting Champion

Riria Ropata on the podium with the Tino Rangatira flag

28 July 2025

Riria Ropata, pūkenga for the Poutuarongo Kawa Oranga programme - Bachelor of Health Promotion, Sport and Exercise Science at Te Wānanga o Raukawa has come away with gold again. Earlier this month – 5-13 July 2025 Riria competed at the Asian African Pacific Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships held in Himeji, Japan. There she competed in the women’s 84+kgs weight class and won: 

• back squat female with 237.5 kgs 

• bench press female with 120 kgs 

• dead lift female with 247.5 kgs. 

Well done Riria! 

For previous stories about Riria, check out Competing at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships 2024 and World Powerlifting Champion and Pūkenga at Te Wānanga o Raukawa

If you would like to know about the Poutuarongo Kawa Oranga programme, click on the link below Kawa Oranga-Bachelor Health Promotion, Sport & Exercise Sciences