Ponipate Loganimasi made a bold decision to pursue a career in rugby instead of attending university, a choice that his father, Joeli Kalougata, wholeheartedly supported. In less than two years with Fiji’s national sevens team, Loganimasi has established himself as a significant figure in international rugby.
He made headlines this year by winning an Olympic silver medal with the men’s rugby sevens team and was recognized as the only Fijian player selected for the prestigious World Rugby Men’s Sevens Dream Team of the Year, which was revealed yesterday. Additionally, Loganimasi had an impressive outing during the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup in September, where he made his debut for the Flying Fijians against Japan, scoring two tries in a commanding 41-17 victory that secured the PNC title for Fiji.
In October, he signed a contract with the Fijian Drua, further advancing his rugby career. At 26 years old, Loganimasi’s journey began in his mother’s village of Nabua in Koroalau, Cakaudrove, though he originally hails from Lovoni in Ono-i-Lau.
Kalougata expressed immense pride in his son’s achievements, emphasizing that while the family encouraged his educational pursuits at Brigham Young University in Utah, he chose a different path. “My only advice to him was to depend on God for guidance in his rugby endeavors,” Kalougata shared. He praised Loganimasi’s rapid rise through the ranks from local sevens to international competitions, and encouraged him to train diligently, remain humble, and be a good listener in order to succeed.
Loganimasi’s sports talents weren’t limited to rugby; he also clinched a gold medal in the 200m event at the Coca-Cola Games during his junior year at Navatu Secondary School, and engaged in indoor basketball as well.
Other members of the Dream Team include Selvyn Davids (South Africa), Antoine Dupont (France), Aaron Grandidier Nkanang (France), Terry Kennedy (Ireland), Nathan Lawson (Australia), and Matías Osadczuk (Argentina).
This story highlights the remarkable success of an athlete who chose his passion over conventional paths. Loganimasi’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring sportsmen, showing that with determination, faith, and hard work, it is possible to achieve extraordinary goals. His accomplishments not only bring pride to his family but also unite and inspire a nation that deeply values rugby.
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