FIJIAN renowned Judoka Nacanieli Takayawa was inducted into the Fiji Hall of Fame last night, joining his late father Viliame Takayawa who was inducted in 2006.
Speaking at the event at Suva’s GPH, Takaya said his achievement would not have been possible without the help of the people of Fiji.
“My achievements from the past two decades wouldn’t be possible without the help and the guidance of the Almighty and the people of Fiji not forgetting my family,” Takayawa said.
Takayawa made his debut in the sport of Judo at the tender age of six where he competed at the 1981 New Zealand Championship winning a Gold Medal in his age group and weight category.
He has also created history for Team Fiji when he won Gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games that was held in Manchester in 2002.
Takayawa competed in various tournaments around the world during his 13 year carrier in tournaments such as the then South Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Championships, Olympic Games Oceania Judo Championships, US International, International Championships and World Judo Championships.
Meanwhile, the 2018 Fiji Olympic Order Recipients were Professor Eddie McCaig and Susan Yee.
McCaig has been a long serving medical volunteer and has been the team doctor for boxing, rugby union and rugby league while Yee was a national representative of hockey, football and was the Fiji Women’s Squash Championship in 1983.
FASANOC president Joseph Roden stated that the vision behind the Hall of Fame and the Olympic Order is to encourage Fiji Athletes to preform and excel on the world stage.
Roden also says that the athletes performance on and off the field is then recognized through the avenue of the fiji Hall of Fame and the Fiji Olympic Order Programs.
Many other athletes were recognised in their participation in the Olympic Games including president of FASANOC Joe Roden senior, Makelesi Batimala Sisilia Sevula and others.
