Fiji’s junior Australian Football League (AFL) athlete, Makayla Sukhu, aspires to emulate her mother, Vilisi Sukhu, who was a member of the inaugural women’s Fiji Vonu team in 2014. Inspired by her mother’s achievements, Makayla has always held a passion for the sport, stating, “AFL is a different sport, and my mum was the main reason why I took up this sport because she represented Fiji.”
Sukhu emphasizes the importance of teamwork and endurance in AFL. She believes the sport fosters skills ranging from diverse athleticism to resilience. Makayla hopes her involvement will inspire her sister to join her in playing this challenging yet rewarding sport.
In addition to AFL, Sukhu has made her mark in chess, securing the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she was the youngest participant. She also contributes to the sport of netball, representing Suva Grammar School and the Lomaiviti club.
Balancing academics and athletics is a challenge Makayla embraces, expressing that sports provide relief from academic pressures. She expresses gratitude toward her parents for their unwavering support and acknowledges a sense of divine intervention in her accomplishments.
This inspiring journey showcases not just Makayla’s talent and determination, but also the broader potential for sports development in Fiji—a hopeful horizon for young athletes across the nation. As she continues to thrive in both AFL and other sports, Sukhu is a vibrant example of how passion and perseverance can shape one’s path in athletic pursuits.
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