Team Fiji has entered the final stages of preparation for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes, coaches and officials coming together for the traditional i-Tatau ceremony before beginning their journey overseas.
The i-Tatau is a deeply respected Fijian tradition that reflects humility, unity and a request for blessings, safe travels and success.
It is a significant moment for every national team, symbolising that while athletes may compete as individuals or in their respective sports, they travel as one nation, carrying the pride and hopes of Fiji with them.
During the ceremony, Team Fiji formally presented its i-Tatau to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, seeking the support and blessings of the Government and the people of Fiji as they prepare to represent the nation on the Commonwealth stage.
Addressing the team, the Minister reminded athletes that earning the opportunity to wear the Fiji colours is a privilege achieved through years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
He encouraged them to compete with integrity, represent Fiji with humility and pride, and embrace every opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes back home.
The ceremony also served as a moment of reflection and unity, bringing together athletes from across Team Fiji’s sports before they head in different directions for their final preparations.
While each sport follows its own pathway to Glasgow, they remain united under one flag and one purpose, to represent Fiji with distinction.
Team Fiji’s official departure is scheduled for Sunday 19th July, although several sports have already begun travelling to overseas training camps designed to provide valuable international exposure and competition before the Games.
The national boxing team was the first to depart, leaving Fiji on 5 July for a high-performance training camp in Ireland.
The camp allows the boxers to acclimatise, spar against international opponents and fine-tune their preparations before travelling to Glasgow in time for the Opening Ceremony.
Para-athlete Sitiveni Konataci and coach Fesaitu Mario departed on 9 July for England, where they will undertake a specialised training program with Coach Harry Stamper of the internationally recognised Noble Track Training & Athletics Development program, before travelling to Glasgow on 17 July to join the GAPS Camp at the University of the West of Scotland’s Ayr campus.
The GAPS program provides athletes with comprehensive logistical and performance support in the lead-up to competition.
Team Fiji’s men’s 3×3 basketball squads also departed over the weekend leaving on the Friday 10th July for Melbourne, Australia and returned on Monday, July 13, where they participated in a two-day high-performance training and exchange program facilitated by Coach Gerard Hillier and the Knox Basketball Association.
The camp exposed the team to a competitive environment while strengthening international partnerships and providing valuable match experience ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Closer to home, Fiji Athletics recently completed a week-long national training camp in Suva from 6 to 11 July. The camp brought athletes together for intensive technical sessions, fitness assessments, race preparation, physio and psychology sessions, ensuring they are physically and mentally ready for the demands of international competition.
Judoka Gerard Takayawa will also benefit from international preparation before stepping onto the Commonwealth stage.
He is scheduled to attend a four-day training camp with UK based coach, Mike Liptrot in Kendal from 24 to 28 July, providing an important opportunity to sharpen his skills and gain quality training ahead of his competition.
As Team Fiji prepares to leave Fiji’s shores, the i-Tatau stands as a powerful reminder that no athlete competes alone.
They carry with them the prayers, blessings and unwavering support of the people of Fiji, united behind one team and one flag.
