Badminton a potential Olympic sport for Fiji – FBC News
Badminton Fiji representative Abel Caine believes Fiji has strong potential to compete at the Olympic Games if athletes are given proper training and development. Speaking during a recent competition at Yat Sen Secondary School in Suva, Caine said the level of talent on display highlighted badminton as an untapped sport in Fiji. Article continues after advertisement He added that there are plans in the coming weeks to introduce and promote badminton in schools, particularly in Fiji’s interior regions. “But we have to look much more strategically to the 2032 Games that will be right next door in Brisbane Australia. So we have seven years to find the future in schools, expose them to tournaments like the nationals, take them down to New Zealand for the Aims Games, take them to Australia, take them to New Caledonia.” However, Caine stressed that adequate support and sponsorship would be essential to properly develop and nurture selected athletes. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Auvray puts Bula FC to the test – FBC News
Bula FC Head Coach Stephen Auvry. [Photo: SUPPLIED] Bula FC players have been working hard on their foundation in terms of athleticism, according to head coach Stephane Auvray. He says they’ve been running a lot and also focusing on endurance ahead of the OFC Professional League. The squad has been put through two sessions a day at the Fiji Football Academy in Ba, where they have a two-week camp. Article continues after advertisement Auvray says there’s not a lot of tactical and ball work at the moment for the squad. He adds that the players are tired as they’re not used to the work rhythm, and the running has been painful for some. However, Auvray explained to the players that whatever they’re doing now will pay off in February and March where they’ll have strong resistance with the ability to repeat efforts, which is vital for the team. The OFC Pro League action kicks off in January in New Zealand. Round two of the circuit series will be played in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and round three in Australia. The fourth round is going to be played in Honiara, Solomon Islands, and round five in Ba and Suva before the League returns to New Zealand for the final set of fixtures in May. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Daka scores injury time equalizer for Zambia against Mali – FBC News
Patson Daka celebrates after scoring the equalizer. [Photo: REUTERS] Patson Daka struck in injury time to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw for Zambia against Mali in their Group A clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca. Mali looked set for victory after Lassine Sinayoko fired them ahead just after the hour, finishing from close range following a corner at the Stade Mohammed V. The Eagles controlled much of the match and had a golden chance to extend their lead before halftime, but El Bilal Toure’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza. Zambia, under heavy pressure for long spells, found a lifeline late on when Daka rose to meet a lofted cross, powering home a header to rescue a point. Article continues after advertisement Both teams now sit two points behind Group A leaders Morocco. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fiji FA thanks players, districts, fans and other stakeholders – FBC News
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel.[Source:Fiji FA/Facebook] The past year has once again reminded the Fiji Football Association of the unifying power of football, according to its president Rajesh Patel. In his Christmas and New Year message, Patel says from grassroots programs to club competitions, referees, officials, coaches, volunteers, players, administrators, sponsors, and passionate supporters—everyone played a vital role in strengthening the game. The Fiji FA sincerely thanks district associations, clubs, and partners for their dedication, commitment, and continued support throughout the year. Article continues after advertisement Patel says the hard work behind the scenes often goes unseen, but it is the foundation upon which Fiji football continues to grow. Players, both young and experienced, are the heartbeat of the sport, and the Fiji FA president goes on to say that their discipline, perseverance, and passion inspire communities and bring pride to our nation. He also thanked the fans for their unwavering loyalty and belief, which continue to drive the association forward. Patels adds as we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on the values that define this season—peace, generosity, unity, and compassion. May we carry these values into the New Year as we work together to further develop football and create more opportunities for future generations. Akuila Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Chinese women’s teams for Coral Coast Fiji 7s – FBC News
[Source:Coral Coast 7s Facebook] Two Chinese women’s teams will make their first appearance at the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s. The inclusion of the two sides marks a significant milestone for the tournament, further strengthening the international depth and quality of the women’s competition. Both teams will travel to Fiji ready to test themselves against elite regional and international opposition, bringing speed, structure, and physicality to the Coral Coast stage. Article continues after advertisement The decision to send two teams underlines China’s growing investment in women’s rugby sevens and its commitment to providing international exposure and competitive opportunities for its athletes. Their participation adds another exciting dimension to an already strong field in the Shangri-La Yanuca Island Women’s Division. Tournament organisers welcomed the announcement, noting that the arrival of the Chinese teams reflects the continued growth and global appeal of the tournament, particularly as a destination event for women’s rugby. The 2026 Coral Coast Fiji 7s will take place in January 2026 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, featuring the McDonald’s Men’s Division, the Shangri-La Yanuca Island Women’s Division, and the BRED Bank Youth Division. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
PacificAus Sports launches new netball tournament – FBC News
Fiji Baby Pearls [PHOTO: NETBALL FIJI] Netball Australia, in partnership with the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, will be introducing a new tournament for Pacific Island country for late next year. Called the PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge, this stand-alone tournament marks an important milestone for Pacific netball, as it will be the first national competition created specifically for Pacific-based players. Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki said the tournament will give players more opportunities to gain valuable game experience. Article continues after advertisement “With a high percentage of our athletes being locally based, a competition like this lifts opportunity for a wider cross section of athletes to participate both in our pathway and become possible squad members.” The PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge will be held from November 23 to 28 next year at Nissan Arena in Brisbane. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Snooker victory brings timely Christmas boost – FBC News
Tournament winner, Onisimo Samoa (middle) [PHOTO: MELI LADDPETER] With two days away from Christmas and little money set aside for the festivities, Onisimo Samoa decided to take fate into his own hands to provide for his family. The 39-year-old took a gamble on a long shot, entering a snooker tournament in Suva yesterday. Against the odds, he emerged victorious in the final, walking away with $500 in prize money. Article continues after advertisement Originally from Dreketi, Samoa said the tournament was his last hope. Words of encouragement from his wife before he left to compete gave him the motivation he needed. “Before I was about to leave home this morning, my wife told me that she needed me to win this competition, and she kept encouraging me until I left. I didn’t really expect to win, but what she told me really stuck with me throughout all my games, and I believe it motivated me, and I was able to win first place.” He said saving money has become increasingly difficult with the rising cost of living, and believes his timely win was nothing short of divine intervention. Now, Samoa says his family will be able to celebrate Christmas properly, with plans to return to his village of Nalase in Dreketi for the holidays. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Salah looks ahead to Cup of Nations – FBC News
[Photo: FILE] Egypt Men’s football captain Mohamed Salah is putting his recent issues at Liverpool behind him and is focused on helping his country succeed at the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah arrived in Morocco after an angry reaction to being dropped by the Premier League champions, but says the incident have not affected his form. Egypt begin their Group B campaign against Zimbabwe later today. Article continues after advertisement Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tamanivalu scores winning try in Toshiba’s 26-22 win over Shizuoka – FBC News
Setareki Tamanivalu [Photo: SUPPLIED] Fiji Water Flying Fijians centre Setareki Tamanivalu delivered when it mattered most, emerging as the hero for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in a dramatic 26–22 victory over Shizuoka BlueRevs last night in the Japan Rugby League One competition. The Brave Lupus appeared in control early, building momentum and taking a 19–12 lead into halftime after dominating possession and territory. Article continues after advertisement But the BlueRevs refused to fade, mounting a spirited second-half comeback that turned the match on its head. A converted try followed by a penalty goal saw Shizuoka surge ahead 22–19, silencing the Brave Lupus supporters and putting pressure squarely on the Tokyo side. With the game slipping away and the clock ticking down, Tamanivalu stepped up. In the 64th minute, the powerful centre sliced through the defence to score a crucial converted try. The late strike proved decisive, sealing a hard-fought 26–22 win and sparking celebrations among the Toshiba players and fans alike. Tamanivalu’s match-winning effort not only underscored his value in the midfield but also secured Brave Lupus their second consecutive victory of the 2025–2026 season, keeping their early campaign firmly on track. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Three-time Grand Slam champion to retire after 2026 season – FBC News
[Photo: REUTERS] Stanislas Wawrinka will hang up his racquet at the end of 2026, the three-time Grand Slam champion announced on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a 24-year professional career that saw him break into tennis’s elite during the sport’s golden era. The Swiss star, who turned professional in 2002 and will turn 41 in March, completes a remarkable journey that transformed him from a perennial underdog into one of the game’s most feared giant-killers. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.