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Awaiting his try for gold when wrestlers are set to see action on the mat

Daniel Heleta Misaalefua [SN photo]
blue@samoanews.com

The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games being hosted in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is in full swing, with Team American Samoa participating for the first time ever.

Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Heleta Misaalefua is one of six local wrestlers who took part in the opening ceremony this past Sunday, awaiting their turn to try for gold - and bragging rights - this coming Sunday, Sept. 24th when they are set to see action on the mat.

The Games are set to close on Sept. 27.

Results of this week's performance by American Samoa's only track & field star at the Games, Isaac Silafau - who was scheduled to compete in the 60m and the long jump this past Monday, and again today - will be featured in the Samoa News later this week.

Samoa News coverage of the Games is being sponsored by Carl's Jr.

Misaalefua, who speaks English, Samoan, and Tongan, will be competing this coming Sunday and Monday along with other local wrestlers: Pita Fanolua, Zena Iese, Iafeta Jeff Vou, Sealiitu Mauga, and Nolan Puletasi in their respective weight divisions.

American Samoa'a seven athletes are competing alongside their Oceania counterparts and all 45-member countries of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during the event, the biggest of its kind to be hosted in Central Asia.

The athletes are being accompanied to the Games by ASNOC president Tuiaana Ed Imo, ASNOC general secretary Ethan Lake, Chef de Mission Henrietta Molesi, wrestling coach Irene Kane, and press attache, Theresa Custodio Auva’a.

Good luck Team American Samoa!