The Minister of Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, has confirmed that there are currently no established rewards for the men’s netball team following their monumental victory at the Men’s Nations Cup in Singapore earlier this month. The team achieved a close win against the Australian Under-20 team, with a final score of 55-54, culminating in the prestigious Merlion Cup at the Jurong East Sports Complex.
Saukuru expressed gratitude towards the team, highlighting their success as a source of national pride. “We wish to thank them for winning their first international tournament,” stated Saukuru. He further noted that national rewards and cash incentives are typically reserved for teams that perform at major global events like the World Cup and Olympic Games.
The Fiji men’s netball team had an impressive run in the tournament, losing only to Australia in the preliminary rounds but defeating strong teams including England, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong throughout the week-long event.
While the absence of immediate rewards may be disappointing for the team and their supporters, there is hope that the Minister’s remarks signal a willingness to recognize their achievements in the future. The success of the team not only brings recognition to their hard work but also raises the profile of men’s netball within the country, potentially paving the way for better support and incentives for athletes in this sport.
Overall, this win could serve as a catalyst for further investment in men’s netball, inspiring future generations of athletes in Fiji and enhancing the nation’s prominence in international sports.
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