Vika Nakacia has encountered numerous challenges while building her rugby career, but her perseverance has paid off as she has been selected for the Fiji women’s sevens team for the upcoming tournament in Dubai.
Nakacia began her journey in rugby league during 2020 before transitioning to sevens rugby two years later. She plays for Ezers, a newly formed club, and previously was part of the Namoli Wests Tigers team, which reached the semi-finals in their league.
Despite facing criticism about women playing rugby, Nakacia remains determined to improve her skills. She has experienced financial hardships, often struggling to afford proper gear or even the bus fare to training sessions. On many occasions, she has resorted to walking long distances from Kashmir to Nadovu Park to ensure she can train.
Her pursuit of rugby has not come without familial challenges; her parents were initially opposed to her playing. Nakacia started her rugby career while in Year 13 at Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute in Lautoka, although she did not complete her education at that time.
Now that she has made the national team, Nakacia has set her sights on completing her high school education and pursuing a degree in accounting. She encourages young girls to have confidence in themselves, stating, “If you want to try rugby then you can. With God’s plan, nothing is impossible.”
Nakacia cites her admiration for Fiji men’s sevens player Jerry Tuwai, noting how his advice to trust the process and continue to work towards her goals has helped her on her journey.
This story of resilience highlights the potential for young women in sports to overcome obstacles and inspire others. Nakacia’s determination serves as a motivational reminder that with hard work and self-belief, dreams can indeed be realized.
In essence, Vika Nakacia embodies the spirit of perseverance and hope in women’s sports, and her story can inspire many young athletes to pursue their passions regardless of the challenges they face.
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