Makayla Sukhu, a full forward for the Fiji Junior Vonu Under-17 team, is inspired to pursue a career in Australian Football League (AFL) following in the footsteps of her mother, Vilisi Sukhu. Vilisi was part of the pioneering women’s Fiji Vonu team in 2014. Makayla credits her mother as a major influence in her decision to engage with the sport, sharing, “AFL is a different sport, and my mum was the main reason why I took up this sport because she represented Fiji.”
The young athlete expresses her enjoyment for AFL, noting that it emphasizes team bonding and endurance as essential aspects of the game. “This sport has really brought out key factors because AFL is different sports in one,” she remarked, highlighting her aspirations to promote the sport and even inspire her sister to participate.
Sukhu has a positive outlook on the future of AFL in Fiji, stating, “It’s a multi-skill sport as it’s quite challenging at first but you’ll be able to carry through.” She acknowledges the encouragement from her mother to persist and stay focused on her goals while supporting her teammates.
In addition to her AFL pursuits, Sukhu achieved recognition at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, where she claimed the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title. As the youngest member of her team, she managed to secure 3.5 points out of 7 against competitors from 193 countries. Sukhu also participates in netball for Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club.
Balancing academics with sports can be challenging, but Sukhu finds that her athletic pursuits help alleviate stress from her studies. “Sport is good as it gives you a piece of mind and relieves your stress from other things like schoolwork,” she shared. She expresses gratitude for her parents’ unwavering support, attributing her accomplishments to their encouragement and divine intervention.
Makayla Sukhu’s journey in sports exemplifies passion and dedication, reflecting a positive trend for the growth of AFL in Fiji. As young athletes like Sukhu take the stage, they pave the way for future generations, ensuring the sport’s vibrant development in the region.
Leave a comment