In the vibrant center of Hong Kong, the 2024 Baseball5 World Cup came to an exciting finish, bringing attention to a notable figure from the South Pacific. Inoke Niubalavu, former star player for Fiji’s national baseball team, took on a new responsibility by officiating the bronze medal match between France and Venezuela. Throughout the week-long competition, he oversaw 15 pool games and utilized an online scoring application.
Niubalavu’s evolution from the baseball fields of Fiji to the global stage of Baseball5 highlights the sport’s expanding international reach and the possibilities it offers to enthusiastic individuals from various backgrounds.
His baseball journey began in the early 2000s when he attended the MLB Australian Academy in 2002. His exceptional talent quickly distinguished him, leading to his emergence as a vital player for the Fijian national team. At the 2003 South Pacific Games, he demonstrated his prowess with a remarkable .529 batting average and six runs—doubling the contributions of any of his teammates. He represented Fiji at the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa and again in New Caledonia in 2011. Over the years, Niubalavu’s commitment to baseball deepened significantly.
In 2009, he transitioned into the role of Development Officer for the Fiji Islands Baseball Association, marking his shift from player to sports administrator.
Looking forward, Niubalavu is dedicated to advancing Baseball5 in Fiji. With the sport poised for its debut at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, he aims to prepare Fiji’s youth Baseball5 team for the upcoming qualifiers. As Baseball5 grows, with the next World Cup scheduled for Italy in 2026 and plans to expand to 16 participating teams, Niubalavu’s dual position as a national leader and international official positions him at a pivotal point in the sport’s development.