Preparations are ramping up for Team Fiji’s three-by-three (3×3) basketball team as they aim for success at the upcoming Pacific Mini Games, scheduled to take place in Palau from June 29 to July 9. Team manager William Peter has shared that the final squad has been selected and training is going smoothly, despite earlier challenges related to securing suitable training venues.
Peter expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete and potentially clinch a gold medal, highlighting the strong lineup put together to represent Fiji. The team has overcome initial obstacles by collaborating with the Fiji Sports Council to ensure access to training facilities, setting the stage for effective preparations.
As they prepare for the Mini Games, Peter noted that this event would also serve as a qualifier for the Under-23 3×3 World Cup set to be hosted in China later this year. “Finishing at the top of the podium here will qualify us for that important event,” he said, indicating the high stakes associated with the upcoming competition.
The squad comprises athletes Moana Liebregts, Ranadi Koroi, Estelle Kainamoli, Makaefa Savu, Keenan Hughes, Isaac Sewabu, Tevita Vocea, and Zac Tuivanuavou, with reserves Gabriel Tuivanuavou, Joeli Baleisuva, Elenoa Kuboutawa, and Camari Ravai. Head Coach Earl Hughes leads the team as they seek to replicate Fiji’s past successes, where they took home a silver medal in 2023 at the Pacific Games.
Basketball Fiji’s rigorous training efforts are echoed across other sports disciplines in the country, showcasing a collective determination to excel and uplift national pride during the Mini Games. There is a palpable sense of hope as athletes gear up to demonstrate their skills and bring recognition to Fiji on the international stage.
The upcoming Pacific Mini Games not only represent a competitive opportunity for these athletes but also embody the spirit of unity and aspiration shared by Fiji’s sports community. With comprehensive preparations and unwavering support from the community, Fiji’s athletes are poised to make a mark in Palau.
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