LEILA Chung and Jansu Du have claimed victory in the Fiji A-grade Women’s Doubles title at the Badminton Nationals, held at the Yet Sen Secondary School Hall in Flagstaff. Their triumph showcases remarkable skill and teamwork, signaling a promising future for badminton in Fiji.
Chung, a recent Year 12 graduate of Yat Sen Secondary School, boasts six to seven years of experience, while her 15-year-old partner Du, currently in Year 10, has two to three years of competitive play. The duo displayed resilience throughout a challenging final match. Chung reflected on their efforts, saying, “The finals were really overwhelming. My partner and I felt pressured at times, but we just kept telling each other to focus on the rally and take it one point at a time.”
Their determination proved pivotal in an intense second set, where they rallied to overcome their opponents. “When we caught up in the second set, we felt very glad and then we gave it our all in our third set,” Chung noted.
Du added to the excitement, recounting a crucial moment where they saved multiple game points that ultimately led to their victory. “It was really exciting, especially in the second set. It was game point for them, and we saved like 4 to 5 game points,” she said. The pair emphasized the foundational role of trust in their partnership, with Du stating, “One thing that we’ve learned is trust between ourselves and our partners more than the skills that we showed on court.”
Looking ahead, Chung aims to compete in the 2026 Oceania Competition and the 2027 Tahiti Pacific Games, expressing her hope to contribute to the growth of badminton in Fiji. Likewise, Du shares aspirations of representing Fiji on the international stage in badminton. Chung optimistically remarked on the potential of their partnership: “I think it can. We’ll just see what 2026 brings us. But I’m pretty sure, yes.”
Chung’s achievements don’t stop at doubles, as she also claimed the Women’s singles title at the nationals, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the sport within Fiji. This victory not only highlights their talent but also inspires a new generation of badminton players in the region.