Fijian Samoan amateur boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama was one of 13 women barred from competing at the World Boxing Championships last month in the UK due to a new genetic sex test requirement that was not accessible in Fiji.
Despite being selected to represent Fiji on the global stage, Jasmine was deemed ineligible for the competition as her test results were received one day late, after the official draw had taken place.
Her mother, Beulah Daunakamakama, who was the Fiji team manager at the championships, expressed her sadness over the situation.
The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association had only been informed of the new testing requirement in July and promptly sent samples to an approved lab in the UK.
However, delays in the process resulted in Jasmine and 12 other boxers from various countries being unable to compete in the championships.
Following the incident, World Boxing issued an apology for the unfortunate situation, with its president meeting Jasmine personally after a sparring session in Liverpool.
This incident has shed light on the broader challenges faced by female boxers in Fiji, such as the lack of funding, facilities, and safeguarding structures.
Despite the setback, Jasmine continued her training, with her eyes set on the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 LA Olympics.
