As Team Fiji gears up for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, here’s a look at the sports of swimming, indoor volleyball and weightlifting and their preparations for the upcoming competition.
Fiji Women’s Indoor Volleyball Team
Following their bronze medal win at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands, the Fiji women’s indoor volleyball team is on the cusp of a new and exciting chapter with a blend of fresh talent and seasoned players. However, for the Mini Games, 50% of the team has to be 19 years or younger which will change the dynamics of the team and further grass roots development.
The Fiji women’s indoor volleyball team had a commendable performance at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. They achieved their goal of finishing in the top three by securing a bronze medal by coming from a set down to secure the victory. This was their fourth medal in the history of the competition.
Swimming
Team Fiji swimming team is in the final stages of preparation, with a mix of experienced swimmers and promising young talents set to represent Fiji.
The journey to the Pacific Mini Games began with a series of rigorous trials. With three swimming trials held, the selection process was intense, with the aim of choosing 16 swimmers – eight males and eight females, including a balanced mix of under-18 and over-18 athletes.
One standout athlete to watch is Olympian, David Tolu Young. David has broken the 50-meter freestyle national record at least three times since surpassing Carl Probert’s long standing national record.
His impressive swim in Adelaide over the weekend, where he again set a new national record in the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 22.15 seconds, breaking his previous record of 22.29 seconds. He placed fifth overall, just behind Australian world leader Cam McEvoy. David’s time 22.15 seconds. This time places him in the top 10 rankings in New Zealand, Canada, Australia and USA.
Additionally, Tolu, as he is affectionately known, has qualified for the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Singapore this August.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting Fiji has probably Fiji’s most champion stacked team going to the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. They have amongst their ranks Nehemiah Elder – current World Youth champion and current young male athlete of the year, Taniela Rainibogi – a Commonwealth champion and winner of three gold medals at the 2023 Pacific Games, Miriama Miriama Waruvono – the current Fiji Sportswomen of the year and bronze medallist at the 2023 Pacific Games and Mereia Turaganivalu – current young female athlete of the year.
The final team will have nine talented athletes, including three females and six males, ready to represent Fiji.
The team has been undergoing intense early morning max-out sessions over the past few weeks, focusing on consistency in their lifts and maintaining a strong competition mindset. Weightlifting Fiji’s head coach, Henry Elder, has emphasized the importance of refining technique, increasing strength levels, and building mental resilience to achieve success at the event
The team’s goal is to secure around 11 to 12 medals in Palau.
The Pacific Mini Games will take place in Koror, Palau from June 29 to July 9, 2025. Team Fiji will depart for Palau on 27 June via chartered flights.
Meanwhile, the FASANOC 2025 Lottery will be drawn at Fiji Olympic House on Wednesday 25 June at 7.30pm after the Special General Meeting.
