Jasmine Daunakamakama, a notable figure in Fiji’s amateur boxing scene, was recently declared ineligible to compete in the Men’s and Women’s Elite World Championship due to an administrative oversight. This issue arose from not meeting the deadline for a mandatory genetic sex verification test, affecting not just Daunakamakama but eleven other female boxers. Fiji Amateur Boxing head coach, Cam Todd, shared that there had been assurances from World Boxing that the test for Daunakamakama would be completed upon arrival in Liverpool, with results expected in time. However, delays in laboratory results led to her ineligibility.
Despite this frustrating setback, Daunakamakama has maintained a positive outlook, continuing her rigorous training routine. Her determination and resilience have been evidenced in recent months, as she focuses on honing her skills for international bouts. Her ambition and effort have not gone unnoticed; she was the first female fighter from Fiji to compete in an Olympic qualifying event in Bangkok for the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers. Reflective of her contributions, she was nominated for the 2024 Fiji Sports Women of the Year.
World Boxing has formally apologized for the administrative error and has promised improvements in the process to prevent future occurrences. This gesture, while not rectifying the missed opportunity, provides some assurance for upcoming international competitions.
Fiji’s boxing community, under the guidance of Coach Todd, continues to display growth with increased international exposure and female participation. The local boxing program emphasizes developmental opportunities, illustrating a commitment to fostering talent and enhancing the competitive standards of Fijian boxers.
Overall, while the incident represents a temporary hurdle in Daunakamakama’s journey, her steadfast commitment and the support from World Boxing and her coach position her positively for future successes on the international stage.
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