In a nation where rugby takes center stage, it’s easy to overlook the diverse athletic aspirations found beyond the rugged playing fields. A notable example from the past highlights this truth: on October 2, 1999, The Fiji Times shared the story of two local professional golfers, Manoa Rasigatale and Dharam Prakash, who were gearing up for an ambitious shot at the prestigious Golf World Cup, which carried a substantial prize purse of $1.5 million.
The pair were on their way to Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, to compete in the Eastern Zone qualifying round for the World Cup, scheduled to take place from October 8 to 10 at the Kota Permai Golf Club. Only four teams from this competitive region would earn the chance to compete in the main tournament.
Harry Chand, the treasurer of the Fiji Professional Golfers Association, expressed optimism about their chances, noting, “Compared to previous years, they had a better chance than with the zonal play-offs.” Despite the enticing rewards, the duo faced significant challenges, competing against 20 countries in the Eastern Zone, including heavyweights like China, India, and Thailand.
Notably experienced, both Rasigatale and Prakash had represented Fiji in several World Cup qualifying rounds in the past. Fiji’s World Cup history was brief, having made its only appearance in 1996 when Prakash teamed up with Vilikesa Kalou in Florida. Chand explained that selection for the team hinged mainly on financial earnings in the local golf circuit. Prakash highlighted their position, stating, “We were somewhere in the middle order out of 40 golfers.”
Rasigatale had turned professional in 1989 and recently triumphed at the President’s Cup, while Prakash, a former Sportsman of the Year nominee, had claimed the title consecutively from 1994 to 1996. Their stories exemplify the spirit of determination and passion that pulses through Fiji’s sporting community, reminding us that even within a rugby-centric culture, dreams extend beyond the try line into realms like golf. These aspirations serve as a beacon of hope for future generations of Fijian athletes, encouraging them to pursue their paths, whatever they may be.
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