Ajay Ballu has been appointed as the Chef de Mission for Team Fiji for both the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This appointment underscores his extensive dedication to sports administration in Fiji, highlighting a career that spans decades in varied roles including that of an athlete, manager, and board member.
Starting his journey as a youth athlete, Ballu represented Fiji in soccer at the U16 level in 1984 before moving on to compete in archery, both nationally and internationally. His commitment to sports has led him to numerous leadership roles, notably as Secretary General of World Archery Fiji and officiating as a national judge for archery competitions.
Throughout his career, Ballu has played key roles in major international competitions. He served as Section Manager at the 2011 Pacific Games, General Manager for Team Fiji at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa, and Chef de Mission for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games and the 2023 Pacific Games. Additionally, he took on the role of Provisional General Manager for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of leading large contingents of athletes.
As Chef de Mission, Ballu has consistently prioritized team unity, athlete welfare, and performance excellence. He has emphasized the importance of meticulous preparation behind the scenes, noting that success at major games results from extensive planning. His empathetic leadership style fosters a supportive environment for athletes, ensuring their needs are met both on and off the field.
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games will provide a significant platform for Fiji’s athletes, while the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will highlight emerging talent. Ballu’s dual role illustrates FASANOC’s confidence in his capacity to manage both established athletes and newcomers, blending performance with mentorship.
Beyond his duties with Team Fiji, Ballu has made substantial contributions to archery, helping to expand the sport locally and representing Fiji in various international events. His selection as one of twelve judges for the World Oceania Archery Championships in 2023, where he officiated important gold medal matches, is a testament to his expertise. Furthermore, his election to the FASANOC Board in 2025 has solidified his status as a key figure in Fiji’s sporting sector, ensuring that athlete welfare remains a top priority.
Ajay Ballu embodies the values of excellence, respect, integrity, and commitment that FASANOC champions. His dedicated career—from a youth athlete to a prominent leader—demonstrates a lifelong commitment to the advancement of sports in Fiji. As he prepares to lead Team Fiji in the upcoming Commonwealth and Youth Olympic Games, his vision and experiences will serve as an inspiration, ensuring that Fiji continues to shine on the global sporting stage. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Ajay Ballu for his unwavering service and leadership to Team Fiji.
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