THE sand has become the testing ground for Fiji’s beach volleyball hopefuls as the countdown to Tahiti begins.
Last Saturday’s “round zero” at the National Beach Court in Suva brought players from different associations together, giving both established players and newcomers an early chance to test their game before the real selection battle begins on October 24.
With the 2027 Pacific Games set for July 24 to August 8 in Pirae and Papeete, Tahiti, the pathway to the Games is already taking shape.
For aspiring players, yesterday was more than just another day on the sand.
It was a chance to get court time, build combinations, test different pairings and measure themselves against players they could soon be competing with for a place in the national team.
Fiji Beach Volleyball Federation women’s team manager Jessica Hill said round zero was designed to bring the associations together before the official selection rounds begin.
“This is round zero, where we are inviting all the associations to send their teams,” Hill said.
The national selection process will officially get underway on October 24, with 18 associations from around the country expected to enter the selection pathway.
From there, every serve, dig, block and attack will carry greater significance as players look to strengthen their partnerships and push their names into the selection frame.
For newcomers, it is an opportunity to break into the wider group. For experienced players, it is the beginning of another fight to wear the national colours.
Only two men and two women will eventually earn selection for Fiji’s beach volleyball team at the 2027 Pacific Games.
“This is just in preparation for the SPG Games that is coming up next year,” Hill said.
Saturday may have been only round zero, but with selection officially starting on October 24, the race to four places on the sand in Tahiti is about to become a lot more intense.
