Association ‘on a mission’

The Fiji Taekwondo Association (FTA) has identified promising athletes following the 2026 President’s Cup competition in Suva. The tournament saw competitors from across the country participating at Suva’s Kshatriya Hall last Saturday.

FTA president Neelun Nand said there were 178 athletes registered for the tournament, with women making up about 45 per cent of the field.

“The girls are really dominating their fights and have become very dynamic,” Nand said.

He said the tournament was an important first step in FTA’s athlete development pathway.

“We’ve identified a lot of new potential from this tournament who have really impressed us. We will be monitoring these athletes as part of our selection pathway.” Nand said some elite athletes from the Nakasi and Nausori taekwondo clubs would compete in New Zealand next month, providing another opportunity for selectors to assess their progress.

“We will closely monitor their performances overseas as well.”

He said selection for next year’s Pacific Games would be based on athletes meeting FTA’s criteria through domestic competitions.

“All athletes need to compete in these local events and demonstrate their fitness levels before they can be considered.”

Nand said Fiji has competed in previous Pacific Games but are still chasing their first gold medal in the sport.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned to prepare our athletes well.”

Encouraging more people to take up the sport, Nand added taekwondo is a dynamic Olympic discipline that offered both fitness and self-defence benefits.

“We have two female Olympians training with us. We encourage people to come and see what taekwondo is about. It is not only good for fitness, but also for self-defence,” he added.