The 6pm curfew on Viti Levu did not dampen celebrations as die-hard Fiji rugby fans came out of their homes to celebrate Fiji’s Olympic gold win in Tokyo.

Meli Derenalagi’s Nawaka village in Nadi heard the lali from the chiefly residence echo late into the night.  Firecrackers lit the dark skies.  Even our COVID-19 response teams stood down from their duty stations to watch history unfold.

After their 27-12 win over NewZealand at the Tokyo Stadium, Japan,  Jerry Tuwai reminded the players that when it comes to representing their country, they should not expect money or fame.

The win brought joy and smiles to the faces of many Fijians despite the increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases and deaths.

Your #Tokyo2020 #Rugby7s Men’s #GOLD medallists! @fijirugby have done it again! 🥇

A small nation, but giants of the game!#HowWeSevens pic.twitter.com/nMKMXXD0iI

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) July 28, 2021

For a few minutes tonight and within their bubble, the @MOHFiji FEMAT prehospital coordination & ambulance crews were able to take their minds off COVID response with no emergency calls or tasking disturbing the moment Vinaka @cawnac_naca & Team #Fiji Rugby 7s #Olympics pic.twitter.com/oWs1IO07xl — Lemeki Lenoa (@llenoa) July 28, 2021

They’ve done it again!

A big congratulations to the #FIJ team on their second #gold in a row in the men’s #rugby sevens! 👏#StrongerTogether | #Tokyo2020 | @WorldRugby | @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/t6HA8eIvEn

— Olympics (@Olympics) July 28, 2021

Vinaka, boys –– that win was worth more than Gold. Your love for this game, for each other, and for your country has shown again that when Fijians unite, we can achieve greatness –– no matter what the world throws our way. GO FIJI GO!!!! 🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯 pic.twitter.com/2USx1iGq6b — Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) July 28, 2021

I am filled with joy for a country I am proud to call home right now. Never before have I shed a tear on hearing another nation’s anthem. God Bless Fiji 🇫🇯 🏅 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QnEtoTHiOL

— PaulWelsh (@PaulWelsh_UK) July 28, 2021

Fiji’s Napolioni Bolaca doesn’t want today to end, so he’s offered to help the photography team! #FIJ pic.twitter.com/ee7MVRANAn — Olympics (@Olympics) July 28, 2021