Moara Nonu made history in 1997 as she became the first woman to represent Fiji at an international karate competition, participating in the Seventh Oceania Karate Championship held in Australia. Her participation was a significant step for women in sports, as noted in a piece from The Fiji Times published on May 7, 1997. In anticipation of the 1999 South Pacific Games in Guam, the Fiji Karate-Do Federation expressed a commitment to sending more female athletes abroad for international experience.
Nonu, accompanied by her husband Pene and Netani Koto, earned her selection following an international championship in Suva. Notably, she distinguished herself by winning two bronze medals in the senior women’s category, finishing behind New Zealand competitors Maree Mahony and Aondrea Moynthan. In the men’s competition, Koto secured a gold medal in the senior men’s fight category, while Pene claimed a silver in the kata category and a bronze in the fighting category.
Pene, who served as secretary of the Fiji Karate Federation, expressed gratitude for the support from the Sports Ministry and Air Pacific but highlighted the challenges of funding for overseas competitions. He emphasized the benefits of the championship, which featured participants from Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Vanuatu, stating that the experience gained was invaluable.
To help improve local karate skills, experts were brought to Fiji for a seminar conducted by Morio Higaonna, a seventh-degree black belt from Japan. This seminar attracted over 100 participants, enhancing the skills of 60 competitors and contributing to the overall growth of the sport in Fiji.
This article serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and support for female athletes in Fiji. The strides made by Moara Nonu and her fellow competitors reflect the growing recognition of women in sports, inspiring future generations to pursue their athletic dreams.
In summary, Moara Nonu’s achievements in 1997 not only marked a significant milestone for women in karate but also highlighted the community’s dedication to nurturing talent and promoting sports development in Fiji. Through commitment and support, the future looks bright for women’s sports in the region.
Leave a comment