A NEW chapter for Fiji handball began at Nasoqo House yesterday morning as the Under-18 Women’s Handball Team presented their i-Tatau ahead of their maiden appearance at the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s Youth World Championship in, Romania.
The ceremony, attended by Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa, gave the young players an opportunity to seek blessings and acknowledge the support behind their journey to the world stage.
“You are not only representing yourselves, but your family, village and nation as a whole,” Nalumisa said.
“You are ambassadors and will be representing Fiji to the world stage.”
For the 12-memeber squad, the occasion marked the beginning of a challenge they have spent month preparing for. They will become the first Pacific Island Nation to compete at the IHF Women’s Youth World Championship, a milestone that highlights the growth of handball in the region.
Head of Delegation Lusi Rokoura said the team has remained focused on preparing the players physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.
“They’ve been working really hard, they’ve been eager and can’t wait to take on the games in Romania,” Rokoura said.
Rokoura said the focus is not only results but also on gaining valuable experience that face shape the future of the sport locally.
“We’re advising them to enjoy the game, to be themselves and to take as much out of this competition and this opportunity.”
The squad began their travels yesterday afternoon to Hong Kong first for several days to acclimatise before continuing to Romania, where they will face Croatia, France and Egypt in Group A.
Having qualified through last year’s Oceania Youth Championships in the cook Islands, the team now hopes their appearance will inspire more young athletes to take up handball in Fiji.
The tournament runs from July 29 to August 9, with Fiji entering the competition not only to gain international experience but to build a stronger pathway for the future of the sport.
