BADMINTON Fiji president Abel Caine is determined to revive badminton in the Western Division, with plans to establish more training facilities and increase participation among schools and clubs.
Speaking on the future of the sport in the West, Kane highlighted the lack of badminton courts in Lautoka as one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring players.
“The question arises, where will all these Lautoka players train? Where are the badminton courts in Lautoka? Unfortunately, today, there are none,” Caine said.
He said the situation was in stark contrast to developments in Nadi, where Badminton Fiji recently signed a two-year partnership agreement with the Fiji Muslim League.
Under the agreement, four badminton courts will be established at Nadi Muslim College, providing a training base for students from nearby schools, including Nadi Muslim Primary School.
Caine said his next goal is to work with Tilak High School to develop badminton facilities in Lautoka.
“We are going to Tilak High School and try to convince them to enter into a partnership agreement with Badminton Fiji. If we can improve the surface, paint the markings for two badminton courts and provide equipment, they should form a permanent Tilak team and allow other schools and the Lautoka Badminton Club to use the facilities.”
He said there was strong demand from badminton players in Lautoka, but the absence of courts had limited opportunities for growth.
Caine recalled that badminton once thrived in Lautoka, particularly through Natabua High School.
“From 2009 to 2018, Natabua High School was the dominant school champion in Fiji badminton. From one court, they produced many Fiji representatives and Pacific Games gold medalists.”
However, he said the sport declined after the school stopped playing badminton and later had to use its hall as additional classroom space.
“They’ve run out of classrooms, so they can no longer use the hall for badminton. When badminton stopped at Natabua, badminton in Lautoka died.”
Despite the challenges, Kane remains optimistic that new facilities in Nadi and Lautoka will help rebuild the sport and strengthen Western representation at national tournaments.
