Fiji recorded a milestone achievement yesterday after the Fiji Deaf women’s 7s rugby side won a gold medal at the 2024 Australian Deaf Games in Newcastle, New South Wales.
The side won both their games against the New South Wales Barbarians to clinch the gold medal with the highest number of points.
The side finished off with a total of nine points, five points ahead of NSW Barbarians. Fiji’s chairperson to the World Federation of the Deaf, Krishneer Sen, said the side’s achievement at the tournament was a huge boost for the deaf community in the country.
“I am so amazed at their ability. I am so proud of them. It’s a first-ever win for the Fiji Deaf women! They have proven that they can do anything,” Sen said.
“I believe this will break attitudinal barriers for the community and public including parents and friends. My message for the public is do not look at our disabilities, look at our abilities.”
Fiji’s Ethen Shute was named the best player of the rugby 7s competition. The men’s competition starts today.
