Abel Caine, a representative of Badminton Fiji, asserts that within the I-Taukei community lies a wealth of untapped talent that could significantly uplift the standard of badminton in Fiji. Caine’s optimism is fueled by the remarkable accomplishment of Isimeli Nayacakalou, a former student of Jeremiah Rabevu College, who recently clinched the C Grade title at the Badminton Fiji Open Nationals merely three months after he began participating in the sport.
Caine advocates for the potential within the I-Taukei youth, arguing that with adequate training and a structured development plan, Fiji has the capacity to produce athletes who could compete 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 commented.
While Caine acknowledges the abundance of natural talent, he emphasizes the necessity of adhering to proper developmental pathways to nurture these young athletes effectively.
Looking ahead, Badminton Fiji is set to host its first major event of the year—the Oceania Championships—scheduled to take place in New Zealand next month. This event will be a crucial platform not only for the athletes to showcase their skills but also for promoting badminton among the I-Taukei community, fostering greater participation and enthusiasm for the sport.