National swimming rep Rosemarie Rova and Nadi football player Abhishek Prasad top sports awards on Wednesday.

The duo received the sportsman and sportswoman of year awards during the Swami Vivekananda College annual prize-giving in Nadi. The Year 13 students won the awards in their final year at high school.

Rova, who hails from Taveuni, Cakaudrove, comes from a family very much involved in swimming.

Her father Ben Rova is Fiji Swimming president and sister Cheyanne is also a national rep.

The Rova sisters have caused a ripple in the pool in the past few years and both are targeting a spot at the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Rosemarie actually forfeited the Long Course Open Nationals, which is actually an Olympic qualifier, held at the Damodar Aquatic Centre in Suva on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I feel honoured, humbled and pleased to get the award,”Rosemarie said.

“I actually forfeit the national trials to be here for graduation. I am looking forward to next year to see if I have a chance or just to train for the Oceania Championship.

“Being here is just for the completion of high school and to be with the people who are more important than just trying to qualify for something I might or might not get.”

Prasad is following into his father’s footstep Ashwin Prasad, a former Nadi rep as well.

The 18-year old midfielder has been a regular face in the Nadi age groups and made his district (senior) debut during the 2020 Courts IDC in Suva.

“I am happy to receive this award and I thank the teachers for pushing me to the limit,” he said.

He has represented Fiji from Under-15 – U17 with competitions in China and Israel.

He plays for FC Gandhi in the Nadi FA local league competition.

“I’m looking forward to the 2021 season,” he said.

Edited by Osea Bola

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