Ajay Ballu, a prominent figure in Fiji’s sports administration, has been appointed as the Chef de Mission for Team Fiji for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This appointment underscores his extensive dedication to sports in Fiji, which spans decades in various roles including athlete, administrator, manager, and FASANOC board member since his election in 2025.
Ballu’s journey in sports commenced as a young athlete representing Fiji in soccer at the U16 level in 1984 and later participating in archery at both national and international levels. His deep-rooted passion transformed into a series of leadership positions, allowing him to significantly influence sports administration in Fiji. He has notably served as Secretary General of World Archery Fiji and has officiated as a National Judge for archery competitions.
His extensive involvement encompasses grassroots development and elite athlete management, as well as international representation. Throughout his tenure, he has played essential roles in major international competitions. These include serving as Section Manager during the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia, General Manager for Team Fiji at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa, and Chef de Mission for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games in Saipan and the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara. He also held the position of Provisional General Manager for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This vast experience has equipped him with a thorough understanding of the logistical, technical, and welfare responsibilities integral to leading large delegations of athletes and officials.
As Chef de Mission, Ballu has consistently prioritized team unity, athlete welfare, and performance excellence. He often underscores the importance of meticulous behind-the-scenes preparation, emphasizing that success at major events results from months, if not years, of planning. His leadership style combines professionalism with empathy, ensuring that athletes feel supported both on and off the field.
The significance of Ballu’s appointment as Team Fiji’s leader for 2026 cannot be understated. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games will offer Fiji’s athletes an expansive platform, while the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will highlight the nation’s emerging talent. His dual role reflects FASANOC’s confidence in his capacity to oversee both seasoned athletes and rising stars, balancing performance objectives with mentorship.
Beyond his responsibilities with Team Fiji, Ballu’s impact is felt extensively in the archery community. His executive role has been crucial in developing the sport at the local level, and he has represented Fiji at various Oceania and World Archery events. In 2023, he was one of only 12 judges selected for the World Oceania Archery Championships in Adelaide, where he officiated gold medal matches that were part of the qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Olympics. His election to the FASANOC Board in 2025 further solidified his position as a pivotal decision-maker within Fiji’s sporting framework, ensuring that athlete welfare and governance remain critical components of FASANOC’s mission.
Ajay Nand Ballu exemplifies the core values of Excellence, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment that FASANOC advocates for. From his early days as a youth athlete to his influential roles as a board member and Chef de Mission, his career is a testament to his unwavering devotion to sports and to Fiji. As he prepares to lead Team Fiji into the Commonwealth and Youth Olympic Games in 2026, his vision and rich experience are expected to inspire athletes, propelling Fiji to further successes on the global stage. Vinaka Ajay Ballu for your steadfast service, leadership, and commitment to Team Fiji.