Coach Neelu Nand and athlete Lolohea Naitasi returned home safely on October 29 after their participation in the World Taekwondo Championship held in Wuxi, China, two weeks prior. Representing Fiji, Naitasi noted the invaluable experiences gained despite losing her opening match in the female 54kg category to world-class opponent Hatice Kubra IIgun of Turkey.
This was Naitasi’s debut at the World Championships, but she is no stranger to high-level competition. She has proudly represented Fiji at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and earned a silver medal at the 2023 Pacific Games. Her determination and proactive approach to the sport have been evident since she began her taekwondo journey, which started in a physical education class at Suva Grammar School.
Nipesh Prakash, another athlete representing Fiji at the championships, competed in the senior male 80kg category. As one of Fiji’s top male taekwondo talents, Prakash has participated in six international tournaments, securing four wins. However, he too faced the fierce competition and was eliminated in his first match.
Naitasi expressed that even though her journey at the championship was cut short, the lessons learned and the exposure to the international stage were significant. Her journey reflects a larger narrative of growth among Fijian athletes, particularly in taekwondo, a sport that has seen an inspiring rise in participation and skill development in recent years.
As Naitasi looks forward, she aims to compete in future international events, continuing to build on her foundation as a committed athlete. With aspirations set beyond her recent appearances, including future Olympic competitions, her story serves as motivation for young athletes in Fiji, showcasing the path to success through hard work and perseverance.