A BREAKTHROUGH for women’s boxing in Fiji as Jasmine Daunakamakama earns selection to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. This marks a significant step for a sport still working to establish a consistent presence on the international stage.
Women’s boxing made its debut at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and now Daunakamakama is opening a new chapter in the sport.
The Tailevu-born boxer has been named to Team Fiji’s squad for the Games, marking a significant milestone in her career and highlighting the growing prominence of this discipline at the elite level.
Daunakamakama will compete in the women’s 57kg division as part of Team Fiji’s multi-sport contingent, with athletes set to feature across eight sports at the Games.
Her selection reflects both personal achievement and a wider moment for women’s boxing in Fiji, where opportunities at major international competitions have remained limited in recent years.
For Daunakamakama, the milestone represents years of discipline, sacrifice, and steady personal growth built through commitment inside and outside the ring.
“It is a privilege to be here,” she said.
“I am super grateful for the amount of support I have gotten from my friends, family, and also through the organisation.”
While the physical demands of elite training have been intense, Daunakamakama says the biggest change has come through her mindset and personal development.
“It’s been a journey of self-growth.
“I’ve focused a lot on how to mature as an athlete and just making the right choices so that I can reach my potential in boxing.”
Now preparing for her first Commonwealth Games campaign, she is eager to test herself against experienced international opponents and measure how far she has come.
“I’ve set quite a few goals. I’m constantly pushing myself, and I know a lot of the girls will be more experienced overseas, but I plan to take a lot of my mana over there and just push myself to another level.”
Beyond competition, Daunakamakama hopes her journey will open doors for more young Fijian girls to consider boxing as a pathway for confidence, discipline, and opportunity.
“Boxing is such a beautiful sport. It’s allowed me to get to know myself on a deeper level, and it’s a good confidence booster.”
As she prepares to step onto the Commonwealth stage in Fiji colours, Daunakamakama carries both personal ambition and the responsibility of helping shape the future of women’s boxing in the country, one built on progress, belief, and persistence.
