There are currently no plans in place to reward the Fiji men’s netball team following their remarkable victory at the Men’s Nations Cup in Singapore earlier this month. This was confirmed by Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.
The Fiji men’s team achieved a narrow victory over the Australian Under-20 team, winning 55-54 in the final match at the Jurong East Sports Complex, where they claimed the prestigious Merlion Cup. Minister Saukuru expressed gratitude towards the team’s achievement, stating, “We wish to thank them for winning their first international tournament. I think we should thank them as a nation – our sportspeople have really shown the world that we are the best.”
However, he also noted that cash incentives and formal rewards are traditionally reserved for teams competing at the World Cup and Olympic levels. “We’ll have to meet internally and see how it goes,” he said, emphasizing that the current protocol is to reward teams that participate in major international events.
During the week-long tournament, the Fiji men’s netball team demonstrated their competitive spirit, managing to defeat strong opponents including England, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with their only loss coming against Australia in the round-robin stage.
While the absence of immediate rewards may be disappointing for the team, their historic win is a testament to their hard work and dedication. It’s an opportunity for sports officials to recognize the significance of achievements in various international competitions and to encourage support for all levels of participation in sports.
This victory highlights the growing prominence of men’s netball in Fiji and the potential for greater recognition and investment in the sport moving forward. It presents a hopeful outlook for the future of netball in the nation, encouraging aspiring athletes and fostering a culture of competition.
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