Boxing bronze medals for Fiji and Tuvalu at Commonwealth Games

Fiji and Tuvalu have each secured a bronze medal in boxing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, adding to the Pacific islands' medal tally.

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When I get back to Fiji, I'm going to work even harder, push myself, so I can come back even stronger.

Jasmine Daunakamakama of Fiji earned her bronze in the women's 57kg semifinal after being defeated by Northern Ireland's Michaela Walsh. Under Commonwealth Games boxing rules, losing semifinalists are both awarded bronze medals. Daunakamakama expressed gratitude for the experience, calling it a privilege to compete against Walsh, the reigning Birmingham 2022 champion. She vowed to train harder to return stronger.

Similarly, Tuvalu's Tarona Khanum Badi Pasoni Taafaki also claimed a bronze medal in the women's 75kg division, having lost her semifinal to India's Lovlina Borgohain. Taafaki, who is coached by her father and has family members also competing, highlighted the significance of her achievement for her small island nation. She noted that many people are unfamiliar with Tuvalu and expressed hope that her success would encourage other Tuvaluans to pursue their ambitions.

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Everyone's that asking me my entire life where I'm from and I say I'm Tuvaluan, they don't even know where that is, if it's like Pacific country or African country.

Other Pacific nations also saw action, with judokas from Kiribati and Nauru eliminated in early rounds. Cook Islands' Max Teuruaa finished 11th in the men's decathlon, achieving a personal best in the shot put. In netball, the Tonga Tala secured ninth place after defeating Wales.

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For Tuvaluans specifically I just encourage them to go out, do whatever they want, go make it big. Me being able to get a bronze at the Commonwealth [Games] should inspire other Tuvaluans out there.