Fiji’s Makayla Sukhu, a full forward for the Junior Vonu Under-17 team, aspires to make her mark in Australian Football League (AFL), inspired by her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, who was one of the first players on Fiji’s women’s team in 2014. Makayla credits her mother’s influence as a significant factor in her decision to take up the sport.
“I’ve always loved AFL since I was young,” she said, highlighting the importance of teamwork and endurance in the game. Emphasizing the multifaceted nature of AFL, she believes it offers a unique challenge that can be overcome with determination. Makayla is also eager to share her passion by helping her sister get involved in the sport.
Her hopes extend beyond her personal aspirations, as she envisions growth in AFL within Fiji. “It’s a multi-skill sport that can be tough at first, but with time, anyone can excel,” she commented, recalling advice from her mother to persistently pursue her goals while motivating her teammates.
In addition to her AFL pursuits, Sukhu made headlines recently by securing the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, where she was the youngest participant, achieving a score of 3.5 out of 7 against competitors from 193 countries. She also plays netball for both Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club.
Despite the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, Makayla finds sports to be a valuable outlet for relieving stress. She expresses gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support and cites divine intervention for her achievements in AFL.
This story not only showcases Makayla’s athletic talents but also highlights the rich potential for sports development in Fiji, encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams and inspire others in the community. Her journey motivates individuals to realize that with support, hard work, and a passion for sports, success is attainable.
Leave a comment