The netball community in Fiji and the wider Oceania region is mourning the loss of Wainikiti Naivalulevu Waqa Bogidrau, a highly respected leader and administrator in the sport who passed away at the age of 56 on Tuesday. At the time of her death, she served as the president of Oceania Netball and as a World Netball Regional Director. Additionally, Bogidrau was the acting General Manager of Human Resources at the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).

Condolences have poured in from around the globe, including heartfelt messages from family, friends, and numerous netball organizations such as World Netball (WN). Her remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which she held significant positions including a decade as the president of Netball Fiji from 2010 to 2020. In 2019, she was elected as the president of Oceania Netball and later joined the World Netball Board, where her leadership greatly contributed to the advancement of netball across Fiji and the region.

World Netball expressed deep sorrow at Bogidrau’s sudden passing, highlighting her role as an inspirational leader whose dedication profoundly impacted the sport. Her lifelong passion for netball, both as a player and administrator, inspired many, and her legacy is expected to influence the landscape of netball long into the future.

Former Suva Netball Association president Vasiti Vugakoto praised Bogidrau’s visionary leadership, noting her ability to secure funding and support for major projects, including efforts that led to Fiji being awarded hosting rights for the Netball World Youth Cup in 2021, which ultimately was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also recognized for her initiatives such as the “Friends of Netball” group, which raised funds to support the national team in international competitions.

Netball Fiji President RubyAnn Sorovaki acknowledged Bogidrau’s significant contributions, expressing condolences to her family during this challenging time. Other netball associations, including Netball South Africa and the Tonga Netball Association, shared tributes that underscored her positive influence within the netball community.

Bogidrau is survived by her daughter, who shares her name. She will be laid to rest next Friday. The collective memories and achievements of her career serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one dedicated individual can have on an entire community. Her legacy as a leader and advocate for netball is sure to inspire future generations in sports administration, exemplifying the importance of passion, commitment, and community engagement in fostering positive change.