HEAVY rain in Nuku’alofa yesterday morning did not deter members of the Fijian community on the Kingdom from celebrating the Fiji men’s 7s rugby team’s gold medal win at the Rio Olympics.

It has been raining throughout the week in the Tongan capital but that did not stop Fijian sevens rugby supporters from taking to the streets in a victory march.

Tonga Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva, deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and the Minister for Public Enterprises, Poasi Tei joined the march and the celebrations.

About 100 Fijians turned up for the march, which started at 10am from the Teufaiva Park and ended at the Digicel Square.

As the rain poured down, the combined voices of the Fijian community members rose up as they started singing the famous Fijian song “Me Da Mai Laveta Na Noda Mamarau”.

“Thank you Fiji for winning for all of us,” PM Pohiva said in his speech at the Digicel Square.

“You have made all of us proud.”

Sovaleni said Tongans were proud to be associated with Fiji in celebrating the great victory.

“This is not just a win for Fiji, but for all of us in the Pacific,” he said.

Fiji beat Great Britain 43-7 in the gold medal final, claiming the first 7s rugby gold medal in the men’s competition.

Fiji community member Sam Lala, who organised the event, said this was a proud moment for Fiji and the Pacific.

He said every Fijian in Tonga was proud to be a Fijian.

Prayers of thanksgiving were offered, with reps from the Muslim, Hindu and Christian sectors taking part.