Moara Nonu made history for Fiji by being the first woman to represent the country at an international karate event during the Seventh Oceania Karate Championship in Australia in 1997. This significant achievement was highlighted in an article by The Fiji Times on May 7 of that year. Following her participation, the Fiji Karate-Do Federation announced plans to send more women abroad for exposure, particularly in anticipation of the 1999 South Pacific Games in Guam.
Nonu, along with her husband Pene and fellow competitor Netani Koto, was selected after an international championship held in Suva. She excelled in the senior women’s category, securing two bronze medals, finishing behind New Zealand athletes Maree Mahony and Aondrea Moynthan. In the men’s competition, Koto clinched the gold medal in the senior men’s fight category, while Pene earned silver in kata and bronze in fight.
Pene expressed gratitude towards the Sports Ministry and Air Pacific for their support during the championship, but highlighted the ongoing challenge of securing funds for international competitions. He emphasized the importance of the experience gained from attending the championship, which included participants from Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Vanuatu. The team not only improved their skills but also benefited from a karate seminar led by Morio Higaonna, a seventh-degree black belt from Japan, which attracted over 100 participants and 60 competitors.
This story marks a pivotal moment in Fijian sports, illustrating the progress made in women’s participation and the wider impact on the karate community. The focus on building local expertise through seminars indicates a commitment to nurturing talent within Fiji, laying a foundation for the future of karate in the country.
Looking back on this historic moment, it serves as a reminder of the potential for growth and empowerment in sports, particularly for women. The experiences gathered from competitions and training can inspire future generations of athletes to pursue their ambitions, fostering a more inclusive sports culture in Fiji.
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