Fiji junior footballer Makayla Sukhu, a full forward for the Under-17 team, aspires to emulate her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, who was a member of Fiji’s inaugural women’s AFL team in 2014. Makayla credits her mother as her primary inspiration for choosing Australian Football League (AFL) as her sport of choice.
Makayla, who has been playing AFL for two years, expresses her enjoyment and commitment to the sport. She recognizes the importance of team bonding and endurance, stating that AFL encompasses various sports and requires a diverse set of skills. “I really hope to help my sister get into this sport as well,” she shared, expressing her desire to see AFL flourish in Fiji.
In addition to her AFL pursuits, Sukhu also achieved significant success in chess, earning the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she competed against representatives from 193 countries. She managed to secure 3.5 points out of 7 as the youngest member of the team.
Balancing sports and academics is challenging for Sukhu, who also plays netball for Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club. However, she finds that engaging in sports provides her with a necessary outlet and helps manage the stress of schoolwork.
Makayla expresses gratitude for the support she receives from her family, attributing her achievements in AFL to divine intervention and the unwavering encouragement of her parents.
Her story reflects the growing opportunities for young athletes in Fiji and a promising future for women’s sports in the region. As Sukhu continues to pave her path in AFL and other sports, she symbolizes the spirit of determination and resilience, likely inspiring many young athletes to follow their passions.
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