Fiji’s women’s darts team has achieved a historic milestone by participating for the first time in the Extra Supermarket South Pacific Darts Championship, which began on Tuesday and concludes today at Metro Gym in Suva. This marks a significant step forward for women’s representation in the sport as Fiji fields its first national women’s team at the regional level.

Formed just last year, the team consists of ten players, six of whom are competing in this tournament. Despite facing formidable opponents like the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea, the Fijian women have demonstrated commendable determination and spirit throughout the competition. One team member, Releshni Karan, shared, “The competition has been tough, especially against teams like Niue and Vanuatu, who have been playing for years. But we are proud to represent Fiji and hope to inspire more young women to take up darts.”

The team includes experienced players, some over the age of 50, whose resilience and participation in challenging matches have motivated the other team members. Under the guidance of manager Avinesh Reddy and coach George Chambers, the team has embraced the experience of competing at this level, regardless of their current standing in the tournament.

In parallel to the women’s competition, Fiji’s men’s team narrowly missed a place in the gold medal playoff after a loss to Papua New Guinea but will face Nauru for the bronze medal today, looking to finish the tournament on a positive note.

This event highlights not only the inclusive efforts in sports within Fiji but also embodies a broader commitment by the Fiji Darts Association to cultivate and enhance the sport in the region. Both the women’s and men’s participation underscores a hopeful future for darts in Fiji as well. The achievements of these teams could serve to encourage more young athletes to engage in the sport, paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation on international platforms.

The inaugural participation of Fiji’s women in this championship represents a significant step towards empowering female athletes and enhancing the visibility of women’s sports in the region. With continued support and dedication, the future indeed looks bright for Fijian darts, inspiring the next generation of female dart players.