If there was a more suitable advice from a great shooter, none would be so fitting as staying focused and don’t be distracted.

That’s from the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces’ recruits Best Rifle Shot recipient Avi Akshay Kumar.

Mr Kumar was one of the 124 Republic of the Fiji Military Forces recruits who were part of the passing out parade at the Force Training Group (FTG) in Nasinu on Thursday.

“Just imagine, someone who didn’t know how to handle a rifle. It was through the military training that enabled me to achieve this,” said the man from Macuata, Vanua Levu.

“As young people, we should learn to focus on our goals and don’t let anything distract us, not even criticisms.”

The 23-year-old also said: “I was able to achieve this award through God and today I want to thank my parents for the sacrifices they made in trying to put me to school till I got here.

“I prefer to stay low and work hard towards success without looking down at other people and at the same time lift up those around me.”

Being far away from home, was not easy. So he focused on his goal and endured it.

“For the last fourteen weeks I missed my family but I had an objective to accomplish whilst on training, this has been my motivation,” he said.

The former student of Seaqaqa Central College studied Automotive Engineering at the Fiji National University for three years and later worked as a mechanic in Savusavu before joining the RFMF.

“The decision to join the RFMF was my own because I wanted to serve for this nation and the people,” he said.

“If given the chance to serve peacekeeping duties overseas, I will do it to the best of my ability.”

He advised young people to remain humble in whatever they do and work hard towards their achievement.

“I am planning to go for further studies and training and at the same time contribute to the uplifting of RFMF.”

His mother, 44-year-old, Sushila Devi said her son had made her proud.

“Just seeing my son walk up to receive his award is one of the happiest moments for my family, she said.

“Being our only son, we are so proud of him and we hope that whatever he learned will take him far in like as a soldier, our blessings are with him in life.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama took the salute at the parade.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj