Reena Was Always Special, Says Brother
She hails from Nagata, a farming community outside Labasa, where she was raised with her four other siblings as their parents only wanted the best for them.
Thursday 02 May 2019 | 11:28
The late Reena Devi was the darling of the nation when she ran barefoot to win the junior girls 1500 metres during the 1984 Coca-Cola Games.
A year later she became the first Indo-Fijian woman to represent the country in athletics at the 1985 South Pacific Mini Games.
She hails from Nagata, a farming community outside Labasa, where she was raised with her four other siblings as their parents only wanted the best for them.
Her 41-year-old brother Ravin Kumar told SUNsports yesterday that Devi was always special.
“My sister and I had a special bond as we were very close,” he said.
“I was a little boy at the time she went for that race and became a famous athlete and made everyone of us proud.
“I always remember her staying humble even after she made the headlines.
“Reena was a kind, helpful, humble and a hardworking individual and will be remembered by many.
“When she became a teacher, she would still come to the farm and help our parents until she got married.”
Ravin Kumar
Kumar said their parents struggled for them to get an education, graduate and become successful.
“It was an exciting moment for the family when she won her medals– it was an achievement for the school and the people of the Northern division.”
A former Labasa College student who along with Devi won their race at the Coca- Cola Games, Dr Mohammed Ishaque said she was a good person who always try to help and develop other athletes.
Devi passed away at the Nadi Hospital after a short illness.
She is survived by her two sons who are currently doing their tertiary education.
Edited by Anasilini Natoga
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