Nehal Nitesh Chand is on a journey he has never experienced before. Born and raised in Navua, he is Fiji’s representative to the Mr Universe Tourism 2024 competition currently held in Bali, Indonesia.
The pageant ends on Marhc 26. At 24 years old, Chand currently holds the title of Mr Universe Tourism Fiji 2024, an accomplishment he attributes in part to the guidance and blessings of his late mother.
“I lost my mum in 2020, and I believe it’s because of her blessings that I have reached this far,” Mr Chand shared.
He completed his secondary at Vashist Muni College. Graduating from the University of the South Pacific with a major in accounting and management in public administration, he is currently pursuing his postgraduate studies in management in Brisbane, Australia.
His journey to the Mr Universe Tourism pageant was not without challenges.
Mr Chand attended a youth award ceremony held in Dubai in 2023, where he was nominated as the Emerging Leader 2023 and served as a speaker on climate change.
He later emerged as the winner of the prestigious award. Following this achievement, the organisers of Mr Universe Tourism pageant approached and offered him the opportunity to represent Fiji, a country that had never participated in the pageant before.
He said they expressed their desire to see Fiji’s flag flying proudly on the world stage.
“I do not belong to a modelling or fashion industry, but I will give my best to raise the flag of the Fiji Islands on such a big international platform. “I would like to be the best version of myself when I walk the ramp.”
After careful consideration, he accepted the offer to represent Fiji, driven by his passion to promote his country and the tourism industry.
“Coming from a small dot on the world map and getting the chance to talk about my country is something I am blessed to do.
“It is the very first time that someone is representing Fiji, and I am very excited and honoured to represent my beautiful nation. As a youth activist and fitness influencer, Mr Chand says one of the biggest challenges he faced in life was obesity.
“I once weighed 153kg before and faced a lot neglect and bullying.
“Another main motive I said yes to this offer was to motivate and inspire all obese people out there who are struggling mentally and physically.
“They too can change their life to a better state and if I can do it, then they can do it as well.”
Mr Chand is the managing director of Vantex Solutions in Fiji but resides in Australia to further upgrade his qualifications and skills.
He says he draws strength and motivation from people in his life who supported him over the years.
“I thank all the people for pouring their love and support up until now and wishing me the best in the competition
. “I would like to motivate and inspire all people out there who are trying to become the best version of themselves by saying ‘nothing is impossible’.
“If you are dedicated and loyal towards your dream, that dream can be turned into reality.”
