THE Fiji Women’s Under-18 handball team’s historic trip to the international Women’s Federation Championship in Romania later this month is about more than simply competing against the world’s best.
For head of delegation Lusi Rokoura, the campaign represents the beginning of a new era for handball in Fiji.
The 12-member squad will make history as the first Pacific Island nation to compete at the IHF Women’s Youth World Championship after qualifying through the IHF Trophy Oceania Championship in the Cook Islands last October.
While the immediate focus remains on facing world powers France, Croatia and Egypt, Rokoura believes the long-term impact of the tournament could help transform the sport locally.
“We hope to come back and do more awareness trainings in the Western Division, Eastern, Northern and also enter into schools competitions,” Rokoura said.
She expects the tournament to bring invaluable experience for the young squad, who are all still in school, while also creating awareness and strengthening the growth of handball locally.
Rokoura said the growth of the sport would continue beyond World Championship, with plans to strengthen the women’s pathway and create more opportunities for players at national and grassroots level.
“Our national women’s team are currently training for that. Our youth pathway, they will come back and regroup with them.”
Officials hope to strengthen development pathways by expanding handball programs across schools and communities, giving more young athletes the opportunity to take up the sport.
For Rokoura, the vision extends even further.
“It’s exciting to for us as we build up to the 2032 Summer Olympic Games.”
While results in Romania will be important, the bigger victory may lie in the legacy this team leaves behind.
As Fiji prepares to make history on the world stage, the U18 side is not only carrying the nation’s hopes but also helping pave the way for future generations of players.
Their journey could ultimately be the turning point, inspiring a new wave of participation and laying the foundations for the future of handball in Fiji.
