Beach Volleyball Fiji had its first-ever under-18 tournament after a long time at the National Beach Centre in Suva, signaling a renewed effort to revive the sport to its former glory.
Interim Beach Volleyball director Apenisa Saukuru spoke from the event, highlighting the importance of youth development for the future of the sport in Fiji.
“This is the first beginning of maybe a new era for Beach Volleyball,” Saukuru said.
The tournament serves as a key platform to identify and develop players who will represent Fiji in upcoming international competitions.
The trials at the attracted participation from Nausori, Suva, Raiwai, and Mid-Central.
All fielded a team each in the women’s category, in the men’s Mid-central fielded four teams against Suva’s lone men’s team.
Saukuru expressed optimism about the emerging talent pool, which provides a strong foundation for Fiji’s Beach Volleyball future.
Looking forward, Fiji aims to compete in major events such as the Asia Volleyball Confederation Youth Championship and is targeting qualification for the Youth Olympics.
The AVC tournaments, held in Kazakhstan and Thailand, are qualifiers for the Youth World Championship.
