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Illustration of Sukhu’s Journey from Chess to Footy

AFL Rising Star: Makayla Sukhu Follows Her Mother’s Legacy

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Makayla Sukhu, a promising young player in the Fiji Junior Vonu Under-17 AFL team, aspires to emulate her mother Vilisi Sukhu, a pioneer of women’s Australian Football in Fiji. Vilisi was instrumental in establishing the first women’s Fiji Vonu team back in 2014, serving as an inspiration for her daughter.

Makayla expressed her gratitude, stating, “AFL is a different sport, and my mum was the main reason why I took up this sport because she represented Fiji. I’ve always enjoyed this sport even from when I was younger.” She emphasized the importance of teamwork and endurance in Australian Football, highlighting how the sport encompasses various skills and challenges.

Looking to the future, Makayla is optimistic about the growth of AFL in Fiji. “It’s a multi-skill sport as it’s quite challenging at first but you’ll be able to carry through,” she noted, expressing her desire to support her sister in joining the sport. Her mother’s encouragement has been vital, with Makayla recalling her advice to persistently pursue her goals and support her teammates.

In addition to her football endeavors, Sukhu also made headlines in the chess world, securing the Women’s Candidate Master title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she performed remarkably well against competitors from 193 countries. She is also active in netball, playing for Suva Grammar School and Lomaiviti club in the development princess grade.

Balancing sports and academics has its challenges, but Makayla finds solace in athletics. “Sport is good as it gives you peace of mind and relieves your stress from other things like schoolwork,” she shared. She acknowledged her parents’ unwavering support, attributing part of her success to what she described as divine intervention.

This story showcases not only Makayla’s dedication to sports but also her commitment to family and personal growth. Her journey reflects the potential for women in sports to inspire future generations and promote the development of new sporting cultures in Fiji.

As Makayla continues to pursue her passion in both Australian Football and chess, it symbolizes a hopeful path for young athletes in the region, paving the way for increased participation and recognition in diverse sports.


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