FIJI will be represented at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China, by athletes Lolohea Naitasi and Nipesh Prakash, guided by veteran coach Neelu Nand.
Naitasi will be representing Fiji in the female -54kg category.
Her journey is a testament to her passion and determination, and she is looking forward to challenging herself against the best from around the globe.
“It takes patience and sacrifice to be where you are today. No matter the challenges, one must never give up and keep thriving.”, she said
Prakash will be Fiji’s representative in the men category. He recently won Gold at the TUNZ Open in New Zealand where he is pursuing a masters in professional accounting at Victoria University of Wellington.
Originally from Labasa and raised in Qila, Tailevu before moving to New Zealand, Prakash is still proud to represent his Fijian heritage at the international level.
“I’m driven by the challenge to keep improving and represent my country with pride. Every training session is a chance to grow stronger,” he said.
The team will be led by head coach Chand, with an incredible 34 years of dedication in the sport.
The Pacific Games medalist says the competition presents an exciting opportunity for our athletes to grow their skills and challenge themselves against the best in the sport.
“The most rewarding thing about being a coach is seeing my athletes grow in skill, confidence and character. Watching them overcome challenges, believing in themselves, and achieve their goals on and off the mat makes every effort worth while”, he said.
The Fiji Taekwondo Association says the event marks an important milestone in terms of Fiji’s return to the global stage, reflecting the nation’s growing commitment to excellence and unity in sports.
