The Minister of Youth and Sport, Jese Saukuru, assured that the Fiji women’s sevens team will receive strong support as they head into the Dubai Sevens tournament next weekend. His comments came during a formal presentation of their i-tatau at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.
Saukuru highlighted the impressive growth of women’s rugby globally, noting it as a “remarkable success story” with a significant opportunity for expansion in the upcoming decade. He pointed to initiatives like the new Women in Rugby brand and the motivating campaign “Try and Stop Us,” which have contributed to a record high of 2.7 million female players participating in rugby around the world. Since 2017, there has been a notable increase of 28 percent in registered female players.
While celebrating these strides, Saukuru also acknowledged the historical challenges faced by women in rugby in Fiji, such as discouragement from society and family, and even severe repercussions for engaging in the sport. He commended the dedication and sacrifices of these athletes during the early days of women’s rugby development in the country.
In a show of support, the government has set aside over $4.2 million in the current budget to promote rugby, underlining its commitment to nurturing talent at all levels. Saukuru encouraged the players to remember that the Fijian people are behind them as they prepare for upcoming challenges, reminding them that they carry the hopes and dreams of the nation.
The Fijiana team is set to leave for Dubai on Sunday, where they will compete in Pool A against Ireland, China, and Australia.
This development is an encouraging sign of growth for women’s sports in Fiji, illustrating both progress and support from the government and the community. The women’s sevens team’s upcoming participation in Dubai can serve as a pivotal moment in further raising the profile of women’s rugby and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
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