HAMIDAN Bibi, an icon and a household name, dominated lawn tennis for over a decade.

Growing up on a sugarcane farm in Sarava, Ba, the thought of being Fiji’s No.1 one day, never really crossed her mind but the physical nature of daily chores in a farm setting slowly helped groom a young girl into a strong sportswoman and national champion.

“Sports was something I was always interested in and so picking up tennis was a natural thing to do. In primary school, I used to play netball and took part in athletics. In high school, it was hockey and badminton. At uni, it was tennis and I never looked back again, I guess,” she said.

A former civil servant, Bibi played competitive tennis from 1991 to 2003. She represented Fiji at a number of local, regional and international tournaments.

On the road to glory, she picked up distinguished awards such as Fiji Islands Sportswoman of the Year, Silver Award 1998 and Female Domestic Athlete of the Year in 2000. She has also been involved in various leadership roles in the administration of sports.

The fact that tennis is a minor sport in Fiji and the Pacific region should not be seen as a deterrent by those having an interest for it. The challenges are plenty but discipline and dedication can surely bring both success and recognition.

“Any sport at competitive levels has its own unique challenges and joys. There are many,” Bibi said.

“Having the right support is always key to maintaining high-level performances. One needs to surround themselves with good people who are genuinely interested in his or her efforts and achievements.

“Building toughness and good self-leadership is vital. The thrills of social engagements can also be a barrier. Minimising these engagements to suit your needs and being disciplined, although challenging, can be of profound benefits.

“Being able to enjoy the sport is another way to overcome many other barriers or challenges.”

Young and aspiring athletes need to prepare equally well for what follows after the end of their competitive playing days.

“Be mindful that when your sporting career ends, you have something to fall back on. Prepare for that time as well,” she said.

But first and foremost, enjoy the sport, be dedicated, disciplined, including in the use of social media, and tough; show good leadership for yourself and others, says Bibi.

She thanks her parents for making her a strong independent woman.

“My greatest sources of inspiration has been my late dad who was a keen Ba soccer fan and my mum, both of whom extremely hardworking and generous.

“They both showed me that hard work, discipline and dedication always pay off and this was the case when we were involved in farming — sugar cane, vegetables, pulse, rice, goats and cattle. It was also a good training ground for me not only physically but socially as you had to be good at teamwork, meeting deadlines, effective communication, problem-solving, being a good leader, to list a few,” she said.

Bibi, presently a consultant in capacity development by profession is also the board chairperson for Habitat for Humanity Fiji, an international non-governmental organisation, operating in Fiji since 1991 to eradicate poverty housing and homelessness. Since 2010, they have built or improved water and sanitation systems in rural and remote communities.

“With Habitat, I have a greater opportunity to advocate and promote good governance towards community development efforts,” Bibi said.

“With a team of dedicated individuals mainly fellow board members, staff, community leaders and partners/donors, we have beenable to assist in reducing poverty levels, whether it be through the provision of a decent shelter for a home partner, community water projects or general hygiene and sanitation projects. By helping improve the living conditions of people in vulnerable societies, I’m able to share their joy and it empowers me to do more.

“I have always been interested in community development as my upbringing has been to help others, while being engaged in your own self-development,” she said.

With NGOs, be it sports or others, it has been a more direct involvement with local communities, says Bibi.

“For instance, being able to witness a community water project being commissioned with tears of joy and a home partner provided with decent shelter, which they can call ‘home’. To be able to make a difference in in their lives is something that you never forget,” she said.

Furthermore, being able to see more women and girls participating in various sports either as leaders and top athletes, or just being able to enjoy a sporting activity aspiring for greater heights, and with increasing support of male and female counterparts is heartening, says Bibi.

“I also have keen interest in youth development as many show great innovativeness, but often require necessary support. My current volunteer involvement with HFH Fiji, and as a consultant in capacity development is leading me to assist youths to some extent, but would like to be able do and achieve more.”

These days tennis is a social activity for Bibi to keep fit and healthy. It is a great time to catch up with friends and meet new ones as well.

“There is so much ‘Fijian laughter’ in it, however, we remain competitive on the field. It’s a different atmosphere but just as enjoyable,” she said.

Enjoy life to the fullest at its present moment is her motto in life.

“But always remember that you are a part of a bigger society that needs you and you need them. Create a win-win situation, which is rewarding and memorable,” she said.

Tough and talented and someone smart with a heart, Bibi is an inspiration for all women and girls in Fiji.

* Dorine Narayan is the communications manager for Habitat for Humanity Fiji.