The Minister of Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has confirmed that discussions regarding rewards for the Fiji men’s netball team following their remarkable victory at the Men’s Nations Cup in Singapore have yet to take place. The team achieved a thrilling 55-54 triumph over the Australian Under-20 team in the final, securing the prestigious Merlion Cup.
“We have not established anything at this moment, but we will look into it,” Saukuru stated. He emphasized the nation’s gratitude towards the team for winning their inaugural international tournament, highlighting the talented athletes’ ability to represent Fiji on a global stage. “Our sportspeople have truly showcased that we are the best,” he added.
Saukuru noted that currently, cash incentives and rewards are typically reserved for teams that participate in major events such as the World Cup and Olympics. “We will meet internally to discuss the situation further. Until now, rewards have been designated for those competing at the top levels,” he explained.
Throughout the tournament, the Fiji men’s netball team demonstrated impressive performance, defeating strong teams including England, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with only one loss to Australia U20 in the round-robin stage.
This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the Fiji men’s netball team but also reflects the growing competitiveness of netball in Fiji. With further support and recognition, there is hope that this success can lead to greater investment in the sport and inspire future generations of athletes.
In summary, while no reward system is in place yet for the men’s netball team, their achievements have garnered national appreciation and could pave the way for increased recognition of sports excellence in the region.
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