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Illustration of Sukhu’s Journey from Chess to Footy

AFL Dream: Makayla Sukhu Follows Her Mother’s Legacy

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Fiji’s Junior Vonu Under-17 full forward, Makayla Sukhu, aspires to make a mark in the Australian Football League (AFL), inspired by her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, who was a member of Fiji’s inaugural women’s AFL team in 2014.

Reflecting on her motivation, Makayla shared, “AFL is a different sport, and my mum was the main reason I took up this sport because she represented Fiji. I’ve always enjoyed it even from a young age.” She emphasizes the importance of team bonding and endurance in AFL, noting that it combines various athletic skills, making it a challenging sport to master.

Makayla is eager to support her sister in playing the sport and hopes for its growth in Fiji. “It’s a multi-skill sport that’s quite challenging at first, but with persistence, you can succeed,” she explained. Thanks to her mother’s encouragement, Makayla focuses on her goals while uplifting her teammates.

In addition to her AFL pursuits, Makayla recently earned the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary. Competing against participants from 193 nations, she achieved 3.5 points out of 7, making her the youngest member of her team. She also plays netball for Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club in the development princess grade.

Balancing academics and sports can be challenging, but Makayla believes that engaging in sports gives her peace of mind and helps alleviate stress from her studies. She expressed gratitude for her parents’ unwavering support, acknowledging their role in her accomplishments in both sports and academics.

Makayla Sukhu’s journey highlights not only her individual determination but also the importance of family support in pursuing athletic dreams. As she continues to develop her skills in AFL and other sports, her story serves as an inspiration for young athletes in Fiji, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their goals while making a positive impact in their communities.


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