Jeremiah Raibevu College has celebrated a significant achievement as student Isimeli Nayacakalou won the C Grade title at the Badminton Fiji Open Nationals. This remarkable victory marks a pivotal moment for the school, which only recently incorporated badminton into its sports program, supplementing the traditional focus on athletics and rugby.
Principal Merewalesi Tuloma expressed her pride in the accomplishment, highlighting that within just three months of engaging with badminton, four students from the school attended the national tournament and exceeded expectations during their debut. “We were just trying to look for sports that our students can be engaged in after athletics and rugby,” she explained.
The school’s venture into badminton was inspired by a teacher who played the sport last year and encouraged staff to investigate its potential. As a result, representatives from Badminton Fiji visited the school to introduce the sport, allowing students to explore new athletic opportunities.
Nayacakalou’s composed attitude and discipline propelled him to the C Grade championship, making him the first student from Jeremiah Raibevu College to secure a national badminton title. Tuloma described him as a quietly determined and independent young man who dedicated himself fully to the sport. She believes that Nayacakalou’s swift adaptation to competitive play indicates a bright future ahead.
Looking forward, Tuloma confirmed plans to broaden the badminton program in the upcoming year, taking Nayacakalou’s success as a motivating factor for further student involvement. “This is something that will inspire our students because victory is sweet, but it is sweeter when it comes from commitment and dedication,” she remarked.
Additionally, the principal extended her gratitude to Badminton Fiji for acknowledging the school, noting that Nayacakalou’s performance has helped elevate Jeremiah Raibevu College’s profile within national badminton circles. Established eight years ago, the school now caters to a student body of 185 in Tacirua. The three-day competition concluded recently at the Yat Sen School Hall.
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