Fiji’s Makayla Sukhu, a full forward for the Junior Vonu Under-17 Australian Football League (AFL) team, is inspired by her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, who was a key player in the inaugural women’s Fiji Vonu team in 2014. Makayla credits her mother’s legacy as a significant motivator for her pursuit of the sport.
“AFL is a different sport, and my mum was the main reason why I took it up because she represented Fiji,” Makayla shared. She has always had a passion for AFL and believes that essential skills such as team bonding and endurance are critical to succeeding in this multifaceted sport.
Makayla expressed her aspiration to see the growth of AFL in Fiji. “It’s a multi-skill sport, quite challenging at first, but incredibly rewarding,” she noted. Encouraged by her mother’s advice to remain focused on her goals and support her teammates, she envisions a bright future for herself and encourages other young athletes to join.
In addition to her football endeavors, Makayla has achieved remarkable success in chess, earning the Women’s Candidate Master title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. Competing among 193 countries, she displayed her talent by securing 3.5 points out of 7 matches, making her the youngest member of the team.
Furthermore, Makayla plays netball for Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club in the development princess grade. Balancing academics and sports, she acknowledges that participating in these activities helps alleviate stress and brings a sense of peace during her schoolwork.
Makayla also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from her parents, attributing her successful journey in AFL to their encouragement and divine intervention.
This story of Makayla Sukhu is not just about athletic achievement; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the influence of family. As she continues her journey in both AFL and chess, there’s hope for the future of women in sports in Fiji, inspiring the next generation to pursue their athletic dreams.
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