RUGBY 7s superstar and Olympic Games gold medallist Jasa Veremalua shed tears of joy and sorrow during his wedding at Korotogo Village Methodist Church in Nadroga yesterday.
The tears of joy was for reaching a golden moment in life and to marry the woman of his dream, Vani Margo Vulagivou Volavola.
The tears of sorrow was for not having his father, the late Osea Vakatalesau to witness his big day.
A vital member of the historic Fiji 7s team that won the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olympics last year, Veremalua, however, was on cloud nine knowing his late dad was smiling down on him from heaven as he exchanged wedding vows with his sweetheart after five-long years of courting.
The wedding was unique. It was attended by hundreds of relatives, friends, Fiji 7s teammates and rugby fans.
Fiji 7s coach Gareth Baber, former 7s manager Ropate Kauvesi and former national reps Aca Ratuva, and Sekonaia Kalou were some former national players present at the wedding.
Dubbed as one of the world’s best 7s players and renowned for his off-loading skills on the rugby paddock, the soft-spoken forward said he was grateful to start a new journey with the love of his life.
He said it took him five years of sacrifice, commitment and trust to finally fulfill his dream.
Veremalua said he first met his sweetheart at Sigatoka Methodist High School.
“We first met in high school as friends, but our relationship took another twist five years ago when we started dating,” the 2015/16 HSBC World Sevens Series Dream Team member said.
“Today is one of the best moments of my life to finally marry the woman of my dream.
“I have travelled the world and met many women, but I was committed to my love as I didn’t want to break our relationship.
“I am grateful to be here today to exchange life-time vows with her. At the same time, I am also too sad to lose my dad early in life who I wanted to be here today but I know he is smiling over me from heaven.”
Veremalua said he was honoured to have Vani by his side in his new rugby journey.
He also thanked all those who supported him on his big day.
“Words cannot describe how happy I am to be here. I thank the Almighty God for his blessing, my mum for her unconditional love, relatives, friends, teammates and 7s fans.
“I thank those loved ones who have been supporting me, but couldn’t make it today.”
Vani said after the wedding she was humbled to have Veremalua in her life.
Originally from Yadua, Nadroga, Vani said she would continue to support her man throughout his rugby career.
“I am lucky to have Jasa as my husband and I am over the moon, excited and thankful to families and friends for what they put up today,” she said.
“I have been supporting his rugby career from day one and will continue to support him.”
The 26-year-old said he was looking forward to their new journey together.
