Fiji Amateur Boxing Association

16/09/2026

The road to Dakar runs through Apia and Tahiti.

Ten Fiji boxers and Commonwealth Games medallist Jasmine Daunakamakama took on a 13-nation field at the Oceania Invitational in Samoa — the last tournament before Fiji's two Youth Olympic boxing places, one male and one female, are decided. And in Tahiti, our single Dakar triathlon slot had its final trial on the very course that will host the 2027 Pacific Games.

Both stories in this week's Team Fiji Bulatin in The Fiji Times - the first of our Dakar 2026 sport profiles, two sports each week until the team flies out.

16/09/2026

14/09/2026

Congratulations to our Team Fiji for the great result at the Oceania Invitational Boxing Championships in Samoa.

Each individual came together and contributed to a great team atmosphere. The athletes themselves opted to have their own athlete's sessions to share their triumphs and challenges. These sessions focussed them on the lessons they took away rather than the win or the loss. This part is essential for them to grow as athletes as they prepare and develop for the next international challenge.

This also allowed them to open up honestly to each other and this became evident when they showed up each day for each other to cheer, to partner up for sparring, to carry gear, to clean etc.

And then in the ring they gave their best. Fiji cannot ask for more than that.

Congratulations to Head Coach Cam Todd for leading the delegation. At the tournament the older generation commented on how far the Fiji team had come. From the days of Fiji being viewed as a 'walk over bout' to now being restored as a force to be reckoned with.

Congratulations Team Fiji!!!!

14/09/2026

Coach Ana Ledua is really growing in her role of being a coach. She also participated in the Oceania level coaches course conducted by none other the Cam Todd last week.

In addition she was given more responsibilities with respect to the athletes sparring and warm ups. She also doubled up as chaperone for all of our female athletes.

Ana is a great asset to the team. Earlier she also completed the OSEP managers course run by Fiji Association of Sport & National Olympic Committee

Its important that we get more females involved in our sport!!!!

14/09/2026

Anil Chand and Iowane Tovolea travelled with the team to participate in the Referees and Judges (R&J) course. Their performance was also assessed based on their work during the 4 day tournament. They both received their certificates and left a lasting impression on the course facilitator and Tournament Director Mr Wayne Rose.

Mr Rose has a wealth of experience and well respected in boxing circles. It was great to see him in action and teach our R&J.

As always Anil excelled and was one of the best performers at the tournament.

This was Wane's first time on a plane and the whole experience was surreal and he took every opportunity to learn what was on offer.

Our R&J are a vital part of the boxing equation alongside our athletes, coaches and medical personnel.

The highlight was seeing our R&J receive their certificate and apply what they learned in and around the ring. Another highlight was seeing things fresh through Wane's first time experiences.

Vinaka Wane and Anil. Outstanding effort!!!!

14/09/2026

Team Captain Aminiasi Saratibau is the humble one man army. It was nice to see the Amini's boxing spark return during this tournament.

He has high aspirations and is committed to learning what's needed to make him number 1 at Olympic level. Part of this is learning to trust his coach on what he needs to increase his workrate instead of relying solely on his strong knockout punches. These are great at local and regional level but at International level, he needs more weapons in his boxing arsenal.

The highlight for this tournament was watching his leadership style with the younger boxers and learning to relax and have fun!!!!

Vinaka Amini!!!!

14/09/2026

Merewalesi Kolitapa is preparing to go to the Youth Olympics at the end October. On this trip she was fortunate to have bouts on three consecutive days which was valuable experience for YOG format she will experience.

She did amazing at managing her weight, the physical demands to compete and quick recovery turnaround.

Outside of the ring she is a caring and happy young lady who is able to keep the team spirit alive.

Well done on a great tournament, Merewalesi

14/09/2026

Nakaleto Qarasaumaki came to Samoa on his first major Oceania tournament. He is young and a raw talent.

His is a gifted boxer and with the right guidance will develop further. A valuable lesson for every boxer is demonstrating respect for one's opponent in both victory and defeat. This is an area he is working on and has shown growth in the last 6 months.

The nature of boxing is such that every fight should be a lesson.

The highlight of this trip has been watching Nakaleto grow as an individual and lean on his teammates for support.

Vinaka Nakaleto!!!!

PS Nakaleto received his medal from non other than the great Alesana Tuilagi

14/09/2026

Ana Naikanivatu is our future superstar. She still has some ways to go in developing her technique but her biggest asset is her strong mindset.

She got to the Competition on weight and the two in her division were well above (in excess of 15+ kg). Instead of backing off with reasons not to fight, she tackles challenges head on. She is focussed on her development and knows that ring time is critical.

She continually fights with the type of grit that is part of her DNA.....not everyone has this and often these people learn this grit through experience.

She is still youth but she is determined and willing to work hard.

Keep this up and she will be a force to be reckoned with once her technique develops more.

Vinaka Ana!!!!

14/09/2026

Jasmine is a trusted leader within the Fiji camp, showing that leadership is important both in and outside the ring. She fought strong in both bouts with the Australian team.

Great lessons around managing mental fatigue and pushing through another multiple day tournament after the Commonwealth Games. These are matters our international counterparts manage when balancing the physical aspects of the game and getting the ring time experience leading into the big events.

Main highlight is seeing Jasmine carrying her responsibilities with grace and being there for our up and coming female boxers.

Well done Jasmine for pushing through!!!