Team Fiji Athletes Undergo Final Medical Checkup for Pacific Games
“These athletes’ names have been given to the (Pacific) Games Council. These athletes are going and it is important to check if they are okay, healthy and carrying no injuries.”
Monday 23 October 2023 | 16:00
FASANOC chief executive officer Vanessa Kilner assists Etonia Saukuru during the final medical check-up at the FNU Namaka Campus, Nadi, on October 21, 2023. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Team Fiji athletes and officials living in the Western Division underwent their final medical check-up at the Fiji National University’s Namaka Campus last Saturday.
This was the final phase of preparations before heading to the Honiara Pacific Games in Solomon Islands, which is from November 19 to December 2.
Team Fiji chef de mission Ajay Ballu told SUNsports that he was impressed with the attitude of the athletes and officials who turned up for their final medical test.
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“The first medical test was done in April,” he said.
“These athletes’ names have been given to the (Pacific) Games Council. These athletes are going and it is important to check if they are okay, healthy and carrying no injuries.”
Among the athletes was Etonia Saukuru, who was looking forward to make his national debut at the age of 33.
He is a member of the Fiji rugby league nines squad, which is one of the favourites to win the gold medal.
“We’ve been training together for almost two months and we are focused on achieving our goal,” Saukuru said.
“We’ve only three weeks to go to Honiara, but so far, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to make it this far.”
Saukuru switched to rugby league from rugby union after a playing stint in Romania. He also went on to play for the Malaysian rugby team.
Ballu said the final medical check-up for the rest of the athletes and officials would be in Suva, this Saturday.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
