Irene Mar, a 19-year-old para-taekwondo athlete from Fiji, is poised to be honored with a nomination for the prestigious 2024 Fiji Sports Woman of the Year award, a milestone she cherishes deeply. Having started her taekwondo journey at a young age, Mar has achieved remarkable success, including her groundbreaking participation in the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, where she will be the first Fijian to compete in Para Taekwondo.
Her path to success has been challenging, requiring her to balance rigorous training with her academic commitments. Nonetheless, her nomination reflects her outstanding accomplishments and the unwavering support from her family and the Fiji Paralympic Committee. Mar expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s a great honor, and I am really blessed to receive this recognition.”
During the Paralympic Games in Paris, Mar excelled by securing an impressive seventh place, triumphing over formidable opponents, notably defeating Ukrainian athlete Yuliya Lypetska 25–3 in the K44-57kg category. Additionally, her role as flagbearer for Team Fiji at the opening ceremony emphasizes her significant contribution to representing her nation on the world stage.
The Fiji Sports Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, where Mar will receive accolades alongside other talented athletes like amateur boxer Merewalesi Kolitapa, who has also been recognized for her capabilities. This event not only celebrates their achievements but also highlights the increasing impact of female athletes in Fiji, inspiring more women to chase their sporting dreams and enrich the nation’s athletic landscape.
Irene Mar’s inspiring journey, coupled with the rising number of nominations for the Fiji Sports Awards, illustrates a promising future for Fiji’s sports community. Her dedication and accomplishments are motivational not only to young athletes in Fiji but to aspiring competitors everywhere, showing that hard work and support can lead to remarkable achievements.
Leave a comment