The historic achievement of the Fiji men’s netball team, who recently claimed victory at the Men’s Nations Cup in Singapore, has yet to be followed by any discussions regarding rewards for their success. Minister of Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, confirmed this uncertainty while expressing gratitude for the team’s accomplishment.
The men’s team secured their place in history by narrowly defeating the Australian Under-20 team with a final score of 55-54 during a thrilling match at the Jurong East Sports Complex, earning the prestigious Merlion Cup. Saukuru acknowledged the significance of this victory, stating, “We wish to thank them for winning their first international tournament. I think we should thank them as a nation – our sports people have really shown the world that we are the best.”
However, the Minister pointed out that traditionally, cash incentives and rewards are reserved for teams that participate in World Cup and Olympic events. He mentioned, “We’ll have to meet internally and we’ll see how it goes. So far we only have been giving it to those at the world-level, World Cup and Olympics.”
During the tournament, the Fiji men’s netball team showcased remarkable skill and determination, managing to defeat notable teams such as England, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, despite losing to Australia in the round-robin stage.
This victory not only highlights the potential of netball in Fiji but also the growing recognition of men’s netball on an international scale. Acknowledging the team’s accomplishments could pave the way for increased support and resources for men’s netball moving forward, inspiring future generations to strive for success in sports.
In a positive light, the attention surrounding this victory may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about supporting sports at all levels, which could ultimately lead to enhanced funding and recognition for emerging athletes in Fiji.
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