Fiji’s promising Australian Football League (AFL) player, Makayla Sukhu, is determined to follow her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, who made history as a member of Fiji’s first women’s AFL team in 2014. Inspired by her mother’s achievements, Makayla began playing AFL, expressing her love for the sport from a young age.
In reflecting on her experiences, Sukhu highlights the importance of team bonding and endurance in AFL, noting that it encompasses multiple skill sets, making it both challenging and rewarding. She aims to inspire her younger sister to embrace the sport in the hopes of furthering its growth in Fiji.
Sukhu, who recently earned the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, also balances her passion for sports with her education. As a member of Suva Grammar School’s netball team and a player for the Lomaiviti club, she acknowledges the struggles of managing schoolwork and athletics but insists that sports provide her with mental relief from academic pressures.
With gratitude, Sukhu credits her success to divine support and her parents’ unwavering encouragement. Her determination and enthusiasm paint a hopeful picture for the future of AFL in Fiji, suggesting that with ongoing support, the sport can thrive in the region.
This story serves as a testament to the power of inspiration and dedication in pursuing one’s passions, demonstrating how sports can lead to personal growth and community improvement. Makayla Sukhu stands as a role model for young athletes in Fiji, showcasing that their ambitions can contribute to a vibrant sporting culture.
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