Fijian amateur boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama recently faced a significant setback when she was barred from competing in the World Boxing Championships held in the UK. This unfortunate situation arose due to a late genetic sex test result that was submitted one day after the official draw. The new requirement for testing, which was introduced in July, proved unmanageable for the Fijian team to fulfill on time. Jasmine’s mother, Beulah Daunakamakama, who also serves as the team manager, expressed deep disappointment over her daughter’s exclusion from this prestigious event.
Jasmine’s case isn’t an isolated incident; it also affected 12 other female boxers from various countries who were similarly unable to compete due to issues with meeting the testing requirements. Although the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association acted swiftly by submitting samples to an approved laboratory, unforeseen delays in processing the results led to this regrettable oversight.
In response to the situation, World Boxing extended its apologies and the organization’s president personally met with Jasmine after a recent sparring session in Liverpool. This meeting underscores the organization’s commitment to acknowledging their role in the incident and highlights the need for better procedural safeguards to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Despite the disappointment, Jasmine remains focused and optimistic about her training. She is setting her sights on future opportunities, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her resilience embodies not only her personal aspirations but also the broader challenges that female athletes in Fiji encounter, such as issues of insufficient funding and limited facilities.
The boxing community in Fiji continues to thrive, with dedicated coaches like Cam Todd fostering talent among women and increasing participation at all levels. This growing momentum is particularly encouraging, reflecting a rise in female participation in sports and showcasing local boxers who are making a name for themselves on the international circuit.
Jasmine’s current situation, while a reminder of the hurdles that remain, also highlights her unwavering spirit and the strong support from her boxing community. Her determination can inspire young girls in Fiji to pursue their own athletic dreams, paving the way for a bright and promising future in the sport.