The opening day of the Fiji Men’s and Mixed Netball competition at the National Netball Centre in Laucala was a showcase of remarkable athleticism, with 30 teams competing across five grades. Players from various districts, including Lautoka, Nadi, Tailevu, Savusavu, Nasinu, and Suva, exhibited impressive physicality and determination throughout the matches.
Myron Williams, the president of the association, underscored the distinctive characteristics of men’s and mixed netball, which provides a different experience compared to traditional women’s netball. “The competition has been great so far on day one. This is the premier competition, and it is the toughest. It’s physical; it’s not the netball you will watch the girls play,” he explained. Williams referenced the ruggedness of the men’s game, drawing a comparison to rugby, and recalled incidents from past competitions that highlighted its intensity, including one where a player suffered a broken arm.
Despite the physical challenges and risks associated with the sport, the enthusiasm for men’s netball in Fiji is on the rise. The timing of this competition is crucial, as it aligns with efforts to gain greater recognition for the sport and explore its inclusion in the Olympic Games. “Achieving gender balance is essential for this goal,” Williams noted, emphasizing the importance of increasing men’s participation. “This competition is so timely, especially as men’s netball is trying to establish itself on the Olympic stage. The lack of men’s participation has been a barrier.”
As the tournament unfolds, there is a hopeful anticipation that men’s netball will continue to build momentum and garner recognition, promoting inclusivity in global sporting events. The spirit and talent exhibited by the teams serve as a strong foundation for a bright future for the sport in Fiji.