Athletics Fiji unveils packed 14-event calendar for 2026

Athletics Fiji will host 14 athletic competitions in Suva next year.

The Athletics Fiji Summer series 1, Commonwealth Games trial 1 & Oceania Championships Finals trials and Athletics Fiji Summer series 2 will be held on January 17, February 14 and March 14 respectively.

Competition dates and venues might change.

Speaking to SUNsports, Royals Club coach Antonio Raboiliku said although the calendar looks busy, it would be good.

“It is a great initiative, even though it is a busy calendar,” Raboiliku said.

“We have a lot of competitions coming up so we need to prepare well,” he said.

Raboiliku added with the calendar set, it is vital to have local com petitions to prepare athletes for the Commonwealth and Under-20 competitions.

He added it is also a good competition to introduce young athletes to competition.

“Straight after the Pacific Mini Games, most coaches have started plotting to use the same athletes for these games.

“We want to transfer the performance from the Mini Games to these games,” Raboiliku said.

He stated that it might be a ‘dumb’ move but the team is on the right direction.

“The biggest challenge always is funding. “Training for one whole year is not easy, it comes with sacrifice, cost and determination,” he added.

Raboiliku said athletes and coaches have sacrificed a lot including this festive season to keep in shape and competitive.

“In the midst of these sacrifices, the toll will be on the coaches as they plan to prepare their athletes to be the best,” he said.

The other competitions include 2026 Fiji National Championship on April 3-4, Athletics Fiji Summer series 3 on April 25 and Fiji Secondary Schools Coca-Cola Championships on April 30 - May 2.

Funding costly

Raboiliku said despite the excitement with the calendar, the challenge is funds.

“Coaches and athletes are not paid,” he said. “Some travel from far away and pay their own fare to train.”

Raboiliku stated that it takes a lot to be the best athlete, not only training.

“We urge the families of these athletes to help in any way possible.

“It would be a great boost for them for these games,” he stated.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.f