Leila Chung and Jansu Du have clinched the title in the Badminton National’s Fiji A-grade Women’s Doubles at the Yet Sen Secondary School Hall in Flagstaff, showcasing their remarkable talent and teamwork that bodes well for the future of badminton in Fiji.
Chung, a recent graduate of Year 12 at Yat Sen Secondary School, and Du, a 15-year-old Year 10 student, brought together their varied experience—Chung with six to seven years and Du with two to three years—resulting in a formidable partnership.
In reflecting on their challenging finals, Chung expressed the pressure they felt but emphasized their ability to focus amid the overwhelming circumstances. “The finals were really overwhelming. My partner and I felt pressured at times, but we just kept telling each other to focus on the rally and take it one point at a time,” Chung noted. Their resilience shone through as they won an intense second set, fueling their determination for the decisive third set.
Du recounted the excitement of overcoming several game points against them, which was a pivotal moment in the match. “It was really exciting, especially in the second set. It was game point for them, and we saved like 4 to 5 game points,” Du said. She emphasized the significance of trust between partners, acknowledging it as a crucial element of their success. “One thing that we’ve learned is trust between ourselves and our partners more than the skills that we showed on court,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Chung aims to participate in the 2026 Oceania Competition in individual events and the 2027 Tahiti Pacific Games, while Du shares aspirations of representing Fiji on the international badminton stage. Chung is optimistic about their partnership progressing to the national level and contributing to the growth of badminton in Fiji. “I think it can. We’ll just see what 2026 brings us. But I’m pretty sure, yes,” she remarked.
Additionally, Chung secured the Women’s singles title, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in Fijian badminton over the past few years. Their achievements not only highlight their personal dedication but also spark enthusiasm for the sport’s development in Fiji.
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