SUVA bowler Michael Fong is aiming to earn the national jumper this year after taking up the sport just three and a half years ago.
His steady progress has seen him evolve from a novice into a competitive player for his Suva-based club.
With the Commonwealth Games scheduled for later this year, Fong hopes to make his long-awaited debut.
“My ultimate goal has always been to represent Fiji. This year marks three and a half years since I started bowling, and if I perform well and the selectors deem me worthy of the national team, why not?” he said.
Fong is determined to put on a strong performance this weekend as a lead-up to the national trials next week, where he hopes to catch the selectors’ attention.
“I’m ready to put my hand up. I’ll be participating this weekend and at the national trials next weekend to see how things go. Given the opportunity, I would be honoured to wear the Fiji jumper and represent the country in international bowls,” he said.
Alongside his bowling ambitions, Fong boasts a successful sporting administrative career in table tennis.
He is the former treasurer of the Fiji Table Tennis Association, co-founder and former president of the Suva Table Tennis Association, and has served as national coach, manager, and selector for the Tongan national table tennis team.
The Labasa-born businessman hopes to finally don the national colours in lawn bowls.
Despite being in his 50s, the former Labasa soccer star believes age will not be a barrier to his national aspirations.
“Age is not a factor in bowling. Anyone can bowl, whether you’re a teenager, a young adult, or retired. I’ve only been playing for three and a half years,” he explained.
“I’m still developing in the sport and hopefully, one day, I will be recognised.”
Fong aims to make his mark in the bowls singles discipline and, under the guidance of his personal coach, former national representative Semesa Naiseruvati, he believes 2026 might be the year he finally makes his national debut.
