The Fiji Under-18 Women’s Handball Team is set to make history as the first Pacific Island nation to compete at the IHF Women’s Youth World Championship in Romania.

The side qualified after winning bronze at the IHF Trophy Oceania Championship in the Cook Islands last year and securing Oceania’s place at the global event.

Technical Coach Samuela Cava says the team has overcome many challenges to get this far, and despite being grouped with some of the tournament’s most experienced nations, the girls are ready for the challenge.

“We understand that we will be the first island in the Pacific to ever participate on such a global stage, and we continue to tell the girls that they are all history makers. Last year they were able to qualify from the Cook Islands and now they’ve reached this stage.
It hasn’t been easy because it is also the first time for the girls to go and participate abroad. They were able to learn a lot of things, as well as the coaches and now we look forward to this competition.”

Meanwhile, bidding the team farewell today, Interim Minister for Sports Maciu Nalumisa reminded the players that they now carry the hopes of the nation as they depart for Romania tonight.

“There’s a saying that the former US President John F Kennedy always says ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Now girls as you will leave soon, this is the questions that each of you must ask yourselves, what can you do for your nation.”