Missing piece in Fiji 7s RAJ DEO VOTUALEVU, NADI THE recent quarter-final loss by Fiji national rugby sevens team at the Hong Kong Sevens offers more than just a result to reflect on — it highlights an area we often overlook. Success in modern sport rests on three equally important pillars: mental strength, physical conditioning, and skill execution. Think of them as a balanced combination — each must be developed in equal measure to achieve peak performance. Mental strength builds discipline. Physical conditioning delivers endurance. Skill provides tactical edge. Too often, however, the mental aspect is underemphasised. And that gap can be costly. At the elite level, opponents don’t just challenge physically — they test composure. Pressure can come in many forms: subtle provocation, tactical fouls, or moments designed to disrupt focus. When players react instinctively rather than strategically, penalties follow. A red card, as we recently witnessed, can change the entire course of a match. It is easy for spectators to assign blame, but this is not about fault. It is about preparation. These reactions are human. The difference lies in conditioning the mind to anticipate such tactics, absorb pressure, and respond with discipline. Mental resilience is what allows a team to endure provocation, stay composed, and ultimately gain the upper hand — even under extreme pressure. If we are to reclaim our dominance on the world stage, we must invest equally in all three pillars. Let us build not just stronger and faster players, but calmer, more disciplined competitors. That is how we win — not just physically or tactically, but mentally.
Peaceful march SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA THE freedom of assembly which includes participation in a peaceful march is explicitly enshrined under section 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji as reproduced below. Freedom of assembly 18.— (1) Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate, picket and to present petitions. (2) To the extent that it is necessary, a law may limit, or may authorise the limitation of, the right mentioned in subsection (1)— (a) in the interests of national security, public safety, public order, public morality, public health or the orderly conduct of elections; (b) for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of others; or (c) For the purpose of imposing restrictions on the holders of public offices. The permit for the planned march by Lautoka Ratepayers Association and residents of Vuda was declined by the Fiji Police Force at the eleventh hour without assigning any reason for the rejection. The fact that both the Land Transport Authority and Lautoka City Council had granted their approval is indicative of their tacit support for the march. The protestors were merely exercising their constitutional right to express their concern as to the detrimental impact on the environment of the proposed setting up of a waste-toenergy incinerator at Vuda. It is to be noted that the draconian Media Industry Development Act was abolished by Parliament as it trampled upon the rights to freedom of speech and expression. Now the citizens are able to express their views freely without any fear. Hence in my opinion the right to peaceful assembly should be treated the same way. They could have imposed some conditions for maintaining law and order. Furthermore, every discretionary power comes with certain responsibility to ensure fairness, transparency and uniformity. As a taxpayer funded institution the Fiji Police Force is accountable to the people of Fiji. As such they have a duty to inform the public the reason behind their decision. If it was disapproved in the interest of national security or public safety, then it must explain how that assessment was made. Otherwise it could be perceived as a denial of the right to freedom of assembly guaranteed under the constitution. Thus it could become subject of a legal challenge.
$25m loss JIOJI O. TORONIBAU NAVETAU, TUNULOA INTERESTINGLY enough to learn that the national carrier, Fiji Airways, had an accumulated loss of $25m is rather toxic. Wondering if the ‘dinau’ on the pilgrimage to Israel is also factored in! Please come clean, we ain’t angels.
Jet fuel cost RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI THANK you Dr Sushil K Sharma for a comprehensive article on increasing jet fuel cost and its implications on our tourism industry. I hope our Coalition Government and relevant authorities will take note of this and develop programs for re – utilising abandoned sugarcane farms and lease expired lands. The instability we are experiencing now is believed to last until 2029/30
Fijian name TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND VINAKA! Donald Singh being most passionate about your name (FT 8/4). I counted the number of letters in your name as for Donald Trump (11 letters). I always read your interesting letters in The Fiji Times with frank opinions, facts and figures. While you try to build bridges for the unity of all the peace-loving Fijians, Mr Trump is bent on destroying the world with bombs and blasts. Divide and rule will never work in this modern world! Best wishes. Keep writing.
Hard work pays off! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU THE University of the South Pacific graduation stories are one for the ages and a huge inspiration to those students who are in secondary school and those who are studying at a tertiary institution and will be graduating. I congratulate those who graduated from USP last week. Months of sacrifice, late night studies in preparation for exams, and their hard work, perseverance and commitment paid off. The joy of holding that precious certificate in one’s hand is best known to those who have followed the channel. The joy and smiles on the faces of the graduating students spoke of their emotions and that of their families who also make endless sacrifices when their loved ones are studying. Those graduates who were awarded medals and prizes for standing tall are warmly congratulated and commended for their achievements! Hard work, determination, dedication and commitment pay off!
Vuda project DAN URAI LAUTOKA WHERE are we being led with this project?
Vandalism and road signs NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA WHILE driving around, I always notice road signs that had been vandalized with graffiti. It made me stop and think, why do people do this? Is it to get attention? To feel powerful? To impress friends or rebel against authority? Whatever the reason, the truth remains, it’s destruction of property and a burden placed on others. Many people think “the state” pays for those signs but the state’s money comes from hardworking taxpayers. That means someone’s mother, father, or grandparent is footing the bill. It’s not just paint on metal, it’s money lost, trust broken, and laws disregarded. I can’t help but think how different things would be if that same energy was put into schoolwork, a job, or serving the community. You’d be building up your life instead of tearing down someone else’s. You’d be part of the solution, not the problem. There’s a better path, one of respect, responsibility, and purpose. Let’s raise up a generation that values doing what is right, even when no one is watching. Choose to build, not destroy. Be a light in a world full of darkness.
Athletics record ANTHONY SAHAI LEVUKA, OVALAU MY reply to the legendary Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam’s LTE (16/4), titled “Athletics down memory lane”, refers: He’d stated that “Taveuni’s Holy Cross College won the Coke’s Game’s Girl’s Division backto-back in 1999 and 2000 and is the first school outside Viti Levu to do so. Yes, technically correct sir but one should remember that the very same athletics competition was previously known as the Jucy Games. To set the record straight, St John’s College of Cawaci, Ovalau, was the very first school outside Viti Levu to win the Girl’s Division, achieving an unmatched three peat winning streak in 1978, 1979 and 1980. And in 1982, St John’s College’s champion athletes, Filomena Watirakala and Sawelio Martin Lutuni, won the best female and male awards, respectively. Yes, we’re “history creators”. As the saying goes, “we lead, others follow…sega o Levuka, sega o Viti”. O Naova ke…”Au yali ni kaya vaka ca, au kaya lo lia”
Morning walk SURESH CHAND NADI TAKING a walk during the early hours of the morning is widely recognised as a great way to boost energy levels throughout the day while promoting fitness and overall vitality. To begin with, this simple activity offers numerous physical benefits, helping to keep the body active and healthy. Moreover, it significantly reduces stress and enhances mental clarity by allowing the mind to reset and focus. For many, these peaceful moments serve as an ideal time to nurture positive thoughts and map out plans for the day ahead. In addition, the morning’s natural tranquillity provides a soothing sense of joy and serenity, creating the perfect atmosphere for reflection. Furthermore, regular walking cultivates discipline and encourages the adoption of lasting healthy habits over time. Not to mention, it requires no special equipment, making it an accessible and effective way to improve physical and mental well-being. By embracing this practice, one can feel remarkably refreshed and fulfilled throughout the day. What truly sets morning walks apart is the unique charm of the early hours. During this time, the fresh, crisp air carries the gentle melodies of chirping birds, creating a harmonious connection with nature. Meanwhile, the serene beauty of the sky serves as a stunning backdrop that inspires renewal and calmness. For these reasons, I strongly encourage you to adopt the habit of taking a morning walk — an enriching ritual to invigorate both body and mind while ensuring you stay fit and healthy.
Drought in HK continues! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU I was disappointed with the performance of the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s side as they failed to go past the quarterfinals, losing to Argentina 24-17. The Los Pumas 7s had been humiliated 38-0 by a spirited Blitzboks outfit in the past pool game. However, they put that disappointment aside and built off a clinical firsthalf performance, while Fiji’s ill-discipline let us down badly. We were once again playing catch-up rugby as Santiago Alvarez and Marcos Moneta helped Argentina race out to a strong lead during the first half. Filipe Sauturaga’s sinbinning and the red card to Akuila Dranivotua shifted momentum. Defending against Argentina with six players was always going to be tough but hats off to the boys for coming down from 17-7 to level scores at 17-all. Moneta hammered the final nail in our coffin with a blistering try. An error off the restart gave Fiji one last chance with time up on the clock, but we failed to capitalise as the players ran out of steam. Finally, the thriller belonged to Argentina who used our poor discipline to plot our downfall in our happy hunting Happy Valley. Seven tournaments and one gold medal must raise eyebrows at rugby house. A thorough analysis must be done, and strategies put in place to ensure we go better prepared to the next tournament at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium in Valladolid, Spain. The boys need to step up physically and mentally. Ill-discipline and playing catch-up rugby must be addressed at the earliest!
Soccer poetry RAJEND NAIDU LAUCALA BEACH ESTATE, NASINU ROY Krishna’s solo run past four Auckland FC defenders to place the ball neatly out of the reach of the sprawling goalkeeper was soccer poetry in motion. It was a delight to see that old style individual football brilliance.
