Eighty-two nominees were recognized at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards, held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on Thursday night. The event was a significant occasion for the nominees as they looked forward to the upcoming ceremony.
Among the distinguished nominees were Kaiv Gounder, representing archery, Leevan Dutta from hockey, Ratu Goleavanua Lesuma from outrigger canoeing, and Special Olympian Petero Kanaliwa. Additional nominees included rugby league player Tui Kamikamica, Olympic silver medalist Selestino Ravutaumada, squash athlete Marika Matanatabu, swimmer Hansel McCaig, and weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi, among others.
In the Sportswoman of the Year category, Kesaia Boletakanakadavu stood out among twelve nominees. Others in this category included Paralympian Naibili Vatunisolo, Catherine Fabiano from hockey, and netball player Unaisi Rauluni.
Furthermore, the FBC Sports Photograph of the Year award featured two nominees: Fijivillage’s Cecelia Matanatabu and Jonacani Lalakobau of The Fiji Times.
The Fiji Sports Awards are scheduled for next Saturday, where winners will be celebrated for their exemplary contributions to sports.