PHYSICAL prowess was on full display during the first day of the Fiji Men’s and Mixed Netball competition, held at the National Netball Centre in Laucala yesterday.
With 30 teams and five different grades competing, the intensity of the competition was palpable. Players from districts all over Fiji, including Lautoka, Nadi, Tailevu, Savusavu, Nasinu, and Suva, showcased their skills and determination.
According to the association president, Myron Williams, the level of competition in this premier event is unparalleled.
He adds unlike traditional netball games played by women, men’s and mixed netball is a much more physical and intense sport.
“The competition has been great so far in day one, this is the premier competition, and it is the toughest, its physical it’s not the Netball you will watch the girls play,” said Willams.
“It’s almost like playing rugby, last year we had the competition in Lautoka, which we had a player broke his arm, so that’s got to show the level of competition and the growth of the competition.”
Despite the challenges and risks involved, the growth of men’s netball in Fiji is evident. As the sport aims to gain recognition and potentially be included in the Olympic Games, gender balance is crucial.
“This competition is so timely, at the time when men’s netball is trying to break the stage going into the Olympic games, there is one reason why Netball is not played at the Olympics its because men don’t play for sport to be played at the Olympics, we need gender balance.”
