Badminton in Fiji, once a flourishing sport during the Pacific Games, has experienced a significant decline with most serious activities limited to Yat Sen School in Suva. However, revitalization efforts are on the horizon as the newly elected Badminton Committee takes charge, aiming to rejuvenate the sport.
Since its appointment in August, the committee has made notable progress by clearing financial accounts with the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC), the Fiji National Sports Commission, and the Badminton World Federation. These positive steps include the revival of social events in Suva and the organization of the largest Secondary Schools Tournament in nearly thirty years, signaling a fresh start for badminton in the nation.
The committee has set an ambitious goal of sending Fijian badminton players to the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. To achieve this, plans are underway to establish eight badminton clubs across the country, intending to attract over 250 players. A comprehensive year-round competition calendar is also in development, which will facilitate participation in tournaments within Fiji, throughout the Pacific, Oceania, and even on the international stage.
Fiji’s aspirations extend to consistently outperforming regional competitors such as New Caledonia and Tahiti, and even challenging New Zealand during the Oceania Finals by the time the Olympics arrive. Additionally, there are plans to nurture semi-professional players who can compete internationally, aiming to produce a core group of two or three Fijians who have devoted their lives to badminton and are ready to take on the global stage.
Discussions are also underway with government bodies and ten national indoor sports associations about the construction of a new indoor arena in Nadi, a development expected to significantly bolster the sport’s presence in Fiji, providing an essential facility for training and competition.
These initiatives present a promising outlook for badminton in Fiji, igniting hope and enthusiasm for the future of the sport and the potential for Fijian athletes to shine on an international platform.
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