Sixteen-year-old Isimeli Nayacakalou, who has only been playing badminton for three months, is already making waves in the sport. He is currently competing at the Badminton Fiji Open Nationals, taking place at Yat Sen Secondary School in Suva, where his natural talent and rapid skill development have caught the attention of tournament officials.
Nayacakalou’s journey into badminton began when representatives from Badminton Fiji visited his school to promote the sport. As one of the few students who showed interest, he quickly discovered a passion for badminton, stating that he fell in love with the game the moment he picked up a racquet.
“This sport is very similar to volleyball, as you’re just using a racquet instead,” he explained. “I really enjoy playing badminton, and despite facing some challenges lately, I trust that God will carry me through.”
Tournament officials have remarked on Nayacakalou’s exceptional progress in such a short period, labeling him an athlete to watch in the future. As the competition continues over the next two days, many are eager to see how this promising young player will perform against some of Fiji’s top competitors. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of newfound passion and dedication in sports.