JASMINE Daunakamakama has already guaranteed herself a place in Fiji’s sporting history.
Now, professional boxer Winston Hill believes her Commonwealth Games breakthrough could transform women’s boxing in the country for years to come.
The former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist says Daunakamakama’s march into the women’s 57kg semi-finals in Glasgow is a milestone that extends far beyond the ring.
“There is just so much pride around not just Jasmine but the whole Fijian team,” Hill said.
“History has been made with Jasmine. She is the first Fijian female boxer to reach this stage at the Commonwealth Games, and she has already secured a bronze medal.”
Daunakamakama now faces the toughest test of her career against reigning 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh for a place in the gold medal bout.
Hill knows exactly what it takes to compete on boxing’s biggest amateur stage. He claimed bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and said the occasion demands as much mental strength as physical preparation.
“When I competed in the amateurs, it was my closest moment with God,” he said.
“I went through a very strong spiritual journey during training and out on the field of play. I’m sure with her people behind her, her country and her faith, she will make Fiji proud no matter what happens.”
Hill said there was no need for Daunakamakama to change her approach despite the magnitude of the contest.
“I wouldn’t change anything,” he said.
“This is her first international competition, and she has already reached the semi-finals. That is a huge milestone. She should take everything in, enjoy the experience and keep building from here.”
“The national coach is doing a fantastic job preparing both the men and Jasmine. She just needs to give it her best and know the whole country is proud of her.”
A victory over Walsh would secure at least a silver medal and put Daunakamakama within one win of Commonwealth Games gold.
For Hill, that achievement would deserve recognition far beyond the boxing community.
“If she beats Michaela Walsh, she goes into the gold or silver fight. That would be amazing,” he said.
“She deserves to come back to Fiji and be recognised. Businesses and corporate sponsors should get behind her and help create a solid pathway for her future.
“It is not just about Jasmine. It is about inspiring more young women to take up boxing.”
The Women’s 57 kg division is one of the most fiercely competitive and star-studded brackets in the 2026 Glasgow meet with nine countries represented in the division.
While it has a modest field size, the concentration of elite, world-class talent makes it a major highlight of the Games.
Away from boxing, Daunakamakama has also pursued her passion for music.
She was part of the V5 band that reached the top 10 of the national Domo Vou Talei songwriting competition with their original song Mango Tree, highlighting the talent and determination that have now carried her onto the Commonwealth Games podium.
Hill believes Daunakamakama’s historic campaign has shown that Fijian women can compete with the world’s best and could become the spark that lifts women’s boxing to new heights in Fiji.
Jasmine Daunakamakama’s semifinal bout is set for tomorrow morning, Saturday August 1, 2026, at 6am.
