A dedicated team from the Civic Taekwondo Academy is gearing up to represent Fiji at the upcoming TUNZ Taekwondo Tournament in Wellington, New Zealand. The 13-member squad, sanctioned by the Fiji Taekwondo Association, brings together fresh talent and seasoned competitors under the expert guidance of national coach Neelu Nand.
A significant asset to the team is Olympian Venice Traill, whose leadership and experience are anticipated to inspire confidence and motivation among her fellow teammates. The squad has undertaken an intensive training regime, practicing six days a week which includes strength and conditioning exercises, recovery and physiotherapy sessions, nutritional advice, and video analysis for tactical preparation. Coach Nand describes this as one of the most disciplined training periods they have conducted, reflecting the team’s serious commitment to the tournament.
The tournament in Wellington will be a milestone for many of Fiji’s younger athletes, as they will encounter the electronic scoring system used in international taekwondo competitions for the first time. Coach Nand highlights this exposure as crucial for their development and future endeavors, including potential participation in the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Venice Traill voiced the squad’s strong resolve to represent Fiji with pride, expressing their intense preparation over the last two months. She emphasized the importance of this international exposure, particularly for the younger athletes, reinforcing their readiness and enthusiasm to deliver commendable performances.
Fiji’s participation in the tournament aligns with the nation’s broader goals for taekwondo, showcasing increasing engagements on the international stage and a burgeoning interest in the sport locally. Through robust support systems and comprehensive training, Fiji aims to cultivate a thriving taekwondo environment with aspirations for excellence in global competitions.