SAKARAIA Turagaluvu may be new to badminton, but the Veiuto Primary School Year Seven student is quickly discovering the competitive side of the sport.
Competing at the inaugural National Primary Schools Badminton Tournament at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, Turagaluvu is embracing the challenge of testing himself against other young shuttlers from around the country.
His tournament did not begin as planned after he lost his opening match on Monday, but the setback did little to dent his confidence.
“Yesterday (Monday), I lost my first game, but I won all. Today (yesterday), I have been winning my games. I hope to win more matches,” he said.
The youngster has since found his rhythm on the court, turning his early disappointment into motivation as he continues to learn and improve with every match.
For Turagaluvu, the tournament is not only about winning but also enjoying the opportunity to compete at a national level.
Asked whether he believed he could continue his winning run, he was quick to respond.
“Yes, I can,” he said.
His confidence will be put to the test today when the tournament moves into the quarterfinals, with Turagaluvu hoping to book his place in the next stage.
“I believe I can,” he said.
The experience has also given him a taste of the discipline required in badminton, with training sessions helping him prepare for the intensity of competition.
“Training was good. They are all so strict,” he said.
Despite being new to the sport, Turagaluvu has already shown the attitude needed to compete, bouncing back from his first-match defeat and building momentum as the tournament progressed.
With the quarterfinals underway today, he will be aiming to maintain that momentum and continue his run in the historic first National Primary Schools Badminton Tournament.
For the Veiuto youngster, every match presents another opportunity to learn, compete and prove himself on the court.
And while the pressure increases as the tournament reaches its knockout stages, Turagaluvu remains confident in his ability to rise to the challenge.
“I want to thank the Lord and thank my parents for supporting me,” he said.
