Abel Caine, a representative of Badminton Fiji, believes there is a rich reservoir of untapped talent within the I-Taukei community that could elevate the standard of badminton in the country. His optimism has been boosted by the impressive achievements of Isimeli Nayacakalou, a former student of Jeremiah Rabevu College. In just three months since taking up the sport, Nayacakalou secured the C Grade title at the Badminton Fiji Open Nationals.
Caine emphasizes the incredible potential among I-Taukei youth, proposing that with the right training and a structured development program, Fiji could cultivate athletes capable of competing at an Olympic level in the future. “I know there’s a class of I-Taukei players that are just made for badminton. Slightly taller, slightly skinnier, got the volleyball leap, got the basketball eyes. All we need to give them is seven years of guidance; that’s our job. Find them, guide them, and hope they can take us to the Olympics,” he stated.
While recognizing the natural talent available, Caine stresses the importance of following appropriate developmental pathways to effectively nurture these young athletes. His vision aligns with a broader goal to enhance badminton’s profile and support in Fiji.
Looking forward, Badminton Fiji is preparing for the Oceania Championships, its first major event of the year, to be held in New Zealand next month. This championship will serve as a vital platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills while promoting badminton within the I-Taukei community, encouraging increased participation and enthusiasm for the sport. With dedicated attention and guidance, the future of badminton in Fiji appears bright, with hopes of inspiring the next generation of Olympic competitors.