Taekwondo in Fiji celebrated a significant milestone as Venice Traill and Lolohea Naitasi represented the nation at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This historic moment marked the first time Fijian athletes, particularly female athletes, participated in Taekwondo at the Olympics. The duo also showcased their skills at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, where they both earned medals.
National coach Neelu Nand emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that it reflects the effective development of the sport in Fiji. He encouraged younger athletes to rise to the occasion and commit to the training needed for future competitions. Nand mentioned that the recent Korean Ambassador’s Cup drew over 150 athletes, highlighting the growing interest and participation in Taekwondo.
Looking ahead, Nand stressed the need for a unified approach among clubs, coaches, and stakeholders as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including the next Pacific Games and future Olympic events. This call to action illustrates a hopeful future for the sport in Fiji, reaffirming the commitment to nurturing talent and fostering success on an international stage.
As Fiji continues to build on this momentum, the performances of Traill and Naitasi will inspire the next generation of Taekwondo athletes to reach new heights.
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