Coach Neelu Nand and athlete Lolohea Naitasi returned to Fiji on October 29 after their participation in the World Taekwondo Championship held in Wuxi, China, a fortnight earlier. Despite facing a tough challenge in her opening match, Naitasi gained invaluable experience, competing against renowned Turkish opponent Hatice Kubra IIgun in the female 54kg category.
This championship marked Naitasi’s debut at the World level, but she is already an accomplished competitor, having represented Fiji at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and secured a silver medal at the 2023 Pacific Games. Her passion for taekwondo ignited during a physical education class at Suva Grammar School, showcasing her longstanding commitment and proactive approach to the sport.
Fellow competitor Nipesh Prakash also represented Fiji in the senior male 80kg category. As a prominent figure in Fiji’s taekwondo scene, Prakash has competed in six international tournaments, achieving success in four. However, he likewise encountered tough competition and was eliminated in his first match.
Although Naitasi’s journey in the championship was cut short, she emphasized the importance of the lessons learned and the exposure to the higher levels of competition. Her experiences reflect the broader narrative of growth among Fijian athletes, especially in taekwondo, a sport that has seen a commendable increase in participation and skill development in recent years.
Looking ahead, Naitasi is eager to compete in future international events, aiming to further develop her skills and accomplishments. With her aspirations targeting the Olympic stage and beyond, her journey serves as an inspiring example for young athletes in Fiji, highlighting the path to success through hard work and resilience. The future of Fiji’s taekwondo talent appears bright, with determined athletes paving the way for continued success on the global stage.