The Fiji Para Table Tennis team recently displayed commendable performances at the 2025 ITTF-Oceania Para Championships held in Auckland, New Zealand from September 26 to 28. This event was part of a broader Para Table Tennis Festival, hosting 48 athletes from eight countries, including 15 Paralympians. Team Fiji put up an impressive fight, winning 1 gold and 5 bronze medals, securing a third place on the medal tally, following Australia and New Zealand.
The impressive squad comprised Merewalesi Roden, Akanisi Latu, Iakoba Taubakoa, Eparama Lagi, and Jone Vukinamualevu, and was expertly coached by Harvi Yee. Mere and Akanisi have been key figures in Fijian sports, notably drawing attention at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau where they excelled in the Women’s Doubles Sitting, winning gold.
In Auckland, their well-established partnership continued to thrive as they clinched gold in the Women’s Doubles Sitting C3–5. Individually, both secured bronze medals in the Women’s Singles Sitting C3–5 category. Additional success was seen as Iakoba Taubakoa earned a bronze in the Men’s Singles C4–5 and teamed with Eparama Lagi for another bronze in Men’s Doubles Sitting. The Mixed Doubles Sitting event resulted in a bronze medal for Mere and Kope, and Jone partnered with another athlete to claim bronze in Men’s Doubles Standing. Every Fijian athlete at the championships won a medal, contributing to Fiji’s overall achievements and pride.
Despite the accolades, the road to Auckland was fraught with challenges, primarily due to limited funding and resources affecting training quality and logistics. The Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre played a vital role by allowing the squad to utilize their facilities, albeit not perfectly suited for their needs. Support from FASANOC, the Smash Down Barriers Program, and last-minute financial assistance from entities like Fiji Holiday Inn was crucial in overcoming these challenges.
The internal issues within the Fiji Table Tennis Association had a notable impact on the athletes’ preparations, adding another layer of complexity to their journey. The team and their supporters hope these hurdles will be ironed out to ensure better training conditions for future competitions.
The championships in Auckland also serve as a potential qualification route for the 2026 World Para Championships, with official confirmation pending. Despite uncertainties, athletes like Mere and Akanisi are in strong positions to potentially represent Fiji on the world stage.
Looking ahead, the team now focuses on an upcoming training camp and the New Zealand Para Open, offering additional chances to hone their skills. The remarkable performances in both Auckland and Palau emphasize what determination and community support can achieve, setting a promising precedent for the future of para sports in Fiji. These athletes’ journeys continue to inspire, stirring both national pride and optimism for Fijian sports on global platforms.