Fijian badminton celebrated a significant milestone over the weekend when former national player Chloe Kumar made an inspiring return to the sport, earning a bronze medal in the senior women’s division after a five-year hiatus.
Kumar, who hails from the Western Division, first picked up badminton in 2010 during her high school years. Her passion for the game saw her through university, where she competed in various national tournaments. Following her departure from competitive play, she focused on building her career as a physiotherapist, a journey that was further complicated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite facing multiple injuries, Kumar’s determination led her back to competition, where she balanced the demands of work, training, and recovery. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the hard work paid off with her medal achievement.
In her comeback, Kumar observed a positive shift in the women’s badminton scene in Fiji, highlighting the improved competitiveness and the emergence of promising young talent. With her renewed involvement, she aims to inspire more Fijians to engage with the sport, advocating that badminton is inclusive and offers various pathways for both competitive play and social engagement.
Her story serves as a hopeful reminder of resilience and the joy of returning to one’s passions, potentially paving the way for a bright future in sports for others in Fiji.
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