Makayla Sukhu, a talented full forward for the Fiji Junior Vonu Under-17 team, is eager to make her mark in Australian Football League (AFL), inspired by her mother Vilisi Sukhu’s pioneering journey in the sport. Vilisi was a member of the inaugural women’s Fiji Vonu team in 2014, and her passion for AFL significantly influenced Makayla’s decision to participate.
Makayla reflects on her deep-rooted enjoyment of the sport since childhood and emphasizes the importance of teamwork and endurance in AFL. “It’s a multi-skill sport that can be challenging at first, but with perseverance, you can excel,” she stated, expressing her aspiration to encourage her younger sister to join her in playing AFL.
As she strives to enhance her skills, Makayla remains optimistic about the growth of AFL in Fiji. She believes that it is a unique sport that offers players a chance to develop a variety of skills. With her mother as a guiding figure, Makayla is focused on her goals while motivating her teammates.
In addition to her AFL pursuits, Sukhu recently made headlines by becoming the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) for Fiji at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she showcased her prowess by securing 3.5 points in a competition featuring participants from 193 countries. She also plays netball for Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti Club.
Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, but Sukhu views sports as a positive outlet that alleviates stress from her studies. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support, which she credits as a significant factor in her achievements.
Makayla Sukhu’s journey illustrates the potential for young athletes in Fiji to thrive in multiple sports, fueled by passion and family support. Her story not only highlights personal achievements but also reinforces the importance of sports in fostering community and character development among youth.
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