From the Namosi Highlands to Fiji’s National Badminton Stage

For Navunikabi Catholic School’s students, badminton took hold almost immediately. The sport arrived at the school in the Namosi highlands only two months ago, but the students’ enthusiasm soon carried them to Fiji’s first National Primary Schools Badminton Tournament in Suva.

Team manager Amio Matavutuka said the reaction surprised everyone at the school. When staff told the students about the national tournament, they quickly assembled a team and agreed to let the young players compete.

“They just really enjoyed the sport as soon as they learned how to play. It was quite hard getting them to go back to class after our first session because they just loved playing. And because of that we thought it would be a good idea to bring them to compete here in Suva. Even though this is our first time competing, you can expect us to come back every other year.”

The two-day event offered more than matches for many of the students. Some entered the FMF Gymnasium for the first time, making the trip an eye-opening experience as well as a sporting opportunity.

Matavutuka believes the visit could mark the start of a lasting badminton culture at the school. Many students are now eager to pick up a racket and play whenever they can.

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They just really enjoyed the sport as soon as they learned how to play. It was quite hard getting them to go back to class after our first session because they just loved playing. And because of that we thought it would be a good idea to bring them to compete here in Suva. Even though this is our first time competing, you can expect us to come back every other year.