Sitiveni Rokoro has been appointed as the first chief executive officer of Drug-Free Sports Fiji, heralding an important milestone for the country’s newly created independent National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO). This initiative underscores Fiji’s strong commitment to promoting integrity and fairness across all levels of sports competition.
Established under the Ministry of Youth and Sports as a statutory body, Drug-Free Sports Fiji is tasked with enforcing the Anti-Doping Act 2024. The organization is set to partner with international bodies including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UNESCO to ensure that Fijian athletes can compete transparently and with accountability on the global stage.
Under Rokoro’s leadership, the organization plans to roll out extensive anti-doping testing and education programs not only for elite athletes but also for local schools. As the inaugural CEO, Rokoro will steer the strategic plan for 2027-2030, focusing on key areas such as education, transparency, and strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations.
Jone Koroitamana, the Manager of Sports, highlighted the significance of this advancement, emphasizing substantial government backing for the initiative. “We are taking a major leap towards safeguarding the integrity of sports in Fiji. This will benefit athletes, sports organizations, and the community as a whole,” he stated.
Kamlesh Krishna, president of Drug-Free Sports Fiji, expressed his support for Rokoro’s appointment and the forward-thinking vision of the organization. “This is a proud moment for Fiji. The trust placed in Drug-Free Sports Fiji and Mr. Rokoro’s leadership will ensure that our sporting future is rooted in fairness, transparency, and adherence to the rules,” Krishna noted.
Rokoro, who recently stepped down as CEO of Cricket Fiji, is scheduled to officially begin his role on March 16. His new position marks a significant advance for Fiji’s commitment to sporting integrity and the cultivation of a clean competition culture throughout the country. This initiative paints a hopeful picture for the future of sports in Fiji, encouraging positive developments for athletes and the broader sporting community.