The recent victory of the Crest Fiji men’s netball team at the Nations Cup in Singapore has paved the way for greater opportunities in the future. Following their success, they have been invited to participate in next year’s Men’s Nations Cup and an additional tournament in Australia.
Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki highlighted the significance of their win against the Australian Under-20 team, which resulted in a thrilling 55-54 scoreline and earned them the Merlion Cup. This accomplishment stands out as a key achievement for the federation this year. Sorovaki shared that the 2025 calendar will feature the Pearls competing in the PacificAus Sports series, indicating ongoing growth and opportunity for netball in Fiji.
Moreover, the Baby Pearls are gearing up for intense preparations ahead of the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) in Gibraltar, showcasing a commitment to nurturing young talent within the sport. Sorovaki expressed gratitude towards the Fijian government and the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) for their support, which has included funding for local events, a Under-21 Tri Nations Cup, and an international men’s tournament.
Plans are also underway to host a 17-and-under tournament to identify new talent as the current team transitions into the senior ranks of the Pearls and prepares for the upcoming NWYC.
Fiji’s netball federation has experienced several successes recently, including the Fiji Pearls maintaining their 14th place ranking and receiving the Organization of the Year award at the 2023 National Sports Awards. The U21 team’s recent outing in the Cook Islands provided valuable experience and insight into the competitive landscape.
Further advancements include the training of technical officials, highlighted by top umpire Litia Rabitu officiating at the NWYC regional qualifiers. Additionally, funding from World Netball under the Strategic Development Fund has been allocated to support governance initiatives.
Netball Fiji is keen to promote the sport across the country, with rallies planned nationwide to encourage participation. The federation is also on the verge of appointing a new chief executive officer and head coach for the Pearls, signaling a renewed direction for the organization.
This progress is a beacon of hope for the future of netball in Fiji, illustrating the potential for growth and talent development within the sport. It reflects the commitment from both the federation and government bodies to foster an environment for success both locally and internationally.
In summary, Fiji men’s netball is on an upward trajectory with increased participation in international competitions, support from government initiatives, and a focus on youth development, positioning the sport for continued success.
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