There has yet to be any discussion regarding the rewards for the men’s netball team following their significant achievement at the Men’s Nations Cup in Singapore earlier this month. Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru confirmed this information yesterday.
The men’s netball team secured a dramatic victory over the Australian Under-20 squad, triumphing 55-54 in the final match held at Jurong East Sports Complex, and thereby claiming the Merlion Cup. Saukuru expressed gratitude to the team for their historic win, emphasizing that they have showcased the nation’s sporting capabilities on an international stage. “We thank them for winning their first international tournament. Our sportspeople have demonstrated to the world that we are among the best,” he stated.
However, Saukuru noted that currently, there are no existing plans for cash incentives or rewards for the team, explaining that such rewards are traditionally reserved for athletes competing at the World Cup or Olympic Games. “We’ll have to meet internally and see how it goes. So far, we only provide rewards to those at the world level, such as the World Cup and Olympics,” he added.
Throughout the tournament, the Fiji men’s netball team showcased their talent, losing only to Australia U20 during the round-robin phase but defeating strong teams such as England, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Despite the lack of immediate rewards, this victory represents a significant milestone for the Fiji men’s netball team, opening the door for future recognition and support. The acknowledgment from the Minister indicates a possibility for future discussions around giving back to the team, reinforcing their valuable contribution to the sport and national pride.
Summary: The Fiji men’s netball team, after winning the Merlion Cup, has not yet received any rewards, as confirmed by Minister Jese Saukuru. He acknowledged their historic win, but stated that rewards are typically reserved for higher-profile events like the Olympics. The team’s performance demonstrates their potential and may lead to discussions about future recognitions.
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