TEAM Fiji Karateka’s Joji Veremalua participated for the first time in a World Games which was in Wroclaw, Poland.
Veremalua is using the World Games as preparation towards qualifying for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020.
He was ranked No.1 in the Oceania in 2016 in his weight category where he qualified for the World Games after competing in an Oceania tournament earlier this year.
“To have been given the opportunity to face some of the world’s best was amazing,” he said.
“I not only got to compete against them but also trained and learned from these amazing athletes.”
He said to be selected for the Olympics, he would have to be on his best game and it meant showing up for every tournament.
“I’m lucky I have the support of my national federation in getting me to competitions which is one of the main things,” he said.
“I hope to repay that by competing well and making them proud.”
He is also one of FASANOC’s Voices’ Of the Athletes Champions which advocate issues such as the prevention of HIV/AIDs and NCDs, anti-doping, go green and healthy living.
FASANOC wishes Veremalua the best on his quest for Olympics qualification.
