Sawaki proud to be part of winning hockey side
“I’ve always dreamed about it and to come and live the moment is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Thursday 30 November 2023 | 18:27
Darren Sawaki in action for Fiji against Vanuatu at the National Hockey Centre, Hoiniara, on November 29, 2023. Photo: Sereana Salalo
Athletes have different reasons to represent Fiji in the sport they love.
One is Team Fiji men’s hockey goalkeeper Darren Besetimoala Sawaki who is following her late paternal aunt Ofa Dumont’s footsteps.
Dumont is his father’s sister; she played Goal Keeper Team Fiji women.
Originally from Naroi, Moala in Lau; the 30-year-old father of three hopes to make his family proud.
The Sol2023Games is his first Pacific Games.
“I’m happy to experience this and represent Fiji at the PG, it is a dream come true,” he said.
“I’ve always dreamed about it and to come and live the moment is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
He was first involved in hockey as a manager for a club in 2014 before he became a player. His father Arthur Sawaki also played hockey at club level.
He understands that his position is the most crucial.
“We just trying to focus on the team taking each game at a time,” Sawaki said.
“The players in the front makes the goalie looks nice, they do the hard yards.
“I just want to be part of the team that will set the bar for the younger generation.
“Hopefully one day this sport will reach there financially and in everything else.”
Team Fiji men’s team is undefeated after three pool matches; 6-2 , 7-5 and 3-1 against Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu respectively.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
