Moara Nonu made history in 1997 as the first woman to represent Fiji in international karate during the Seventh Oceania Karate Championship in Australia. This landmark achievement opened doors for greater female participation in the sport, particularly with the Fiji Karate-Do Federation announcing plans to send more women overseas to gain experience in preparation for the 1999 South Pacific Games in Guam.
Nonu, alongside her husband Pene and fellow competitor Netani Koto, earned her spot on the team following an international championship held in Suva. She stood out as the sole female medalist, securing two bronze medals in the senior women’s competition, finishing just behind New Zealand’s Maree Mahony and Aondrea Moynthan.
On the men’s side, Koto excelled, capturing the gold medal in the senior men’s fight category, while Pene obtained a silver in kata and a bronze in fighting. Reflecting on their experience, Pene emphasized the support received from the Sports Ministry and Air Pacific for the championship, although he expressed concern about funding for future bouts in Australia.
Pene, who also served as the secretary of the Fiji Karate Federation, noted that the championship was an invaluable opportunity for skill enhancement and administrative growth. The challenges of funding international exposure led the federation to invite a karate expert, Morio Higaonna, a seventh-degree black belt from Japan, to host a seminar in Fiji. This event was attended by over 100 participants and 60 competitors, highlighting the community’s dedication to developing their karate skills domestically.
This historical moment for Moara Nonu not only paved the way for future female athletes in Fiji but also demonstrated the importance of support and resource-sharing within sports communities, showcasing a hopeful vision for the growth of karate in the nation.
In summary, Nonu’s groundbreaking achievements embody the spirit of perseverance and the belief that sports can empower women and foster international camaraderie through shared experiences and training.
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