Turagakula Breaks Javelin Record, Eyes Cokes Gold

Nakasi High School thrower Jope Turagakula expects his toughest opponents to be from Tailevu schools, Queen Victoria School and Ratu Kada­vulevu School at the Fiji Finals scheduled at the HFC stadium from August 18-20.

Yesterday, Turagakula broke the Triple N zone record in the senior boys’ javelin with a throw of 51.54 metres at the HFC Bank Stadium.

The old record was 51.45 metres set in 2016.

The Fiji Secondary Schools senior boys’ javelin record is held by Ama­nia Isa of Niusawa Methodist High School.

Isa had set the record in 2017; his throw was 56.59 metres.

Turagakula is from Wainilekutu, Naitasiri and shares maternal links to Udu, Kabara in Lau.

“I came to the zone with only one goal, that is to win gold for my school,” Turagakula said.

The former Wainimala Secondary School student also aims to win gold in the same event at the Coca-Cola Games.

“I train three times a day under coach, Vito’s watchful eyes.”

Another new record for NHS was set by Savenaca Loganimoce in the junior boys’ long jump however it was not verified. Loganimoce jumped a distance of 5.75, the Tri­ple N zone record of 5.52m was set in 2017.

School principal, Praveen Chand could not be more proud of the duo’s achievement.

“This has been our plan for two years, to come to Triple N and get the best result,” Chand said.

“We had worked with the coaches and I would like to thank them.

“These two boys have made us proud, being a small school, doing great achievements.

“We will map out a plan to have specialists coaches for them to pre­pare for the Coca-Cola Games.”

NHS also participated in the Suva Zone One last term to gauge their athletes’ status.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj