Ballu to lead Team Fiji to Pacific Games 2023 in Honiara

WORLD Archery Fiji general secretary Ajay Ballu will lead Team Fiji as the Chef de Mission to next year's Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.

Ballu will lead 530 athletes and officials who are expected to represent the country across 24 sports in 14 days in Honiara.

Ballu says he's ready for the challenge.

“I thank the executive board of FASANOC for having faith and trusting me,” he said.

“In preparing everything, this will be the first time the Solomon Islands is hosting these games ever. It is expected that the 24 countries and territories by way of more than 5000 athletes will participate in 14 days competition.

“The following sports are scheduled for the games: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Basketball, 3x3 Basketball, Bodybuilding, Boxing, Football, Beach Soccer, Futsal, Golf, Hockey, Karate,

Netball, Outrigger Canoeing, Powerlifting, Rugby League Nines, Rugby 7s, Sailing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Triathlon, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball and Weightlifting, Beach Soccer, Golf, Hockey. Karate, Netball, Outrigger Canoeing, Powerlifting, Rugby League 9s, Rugby 7s Sailing and Swimming.

“The Solomon Islands National University has been granted the rights for the use of its three campuses namely; SINU Kukum

Campus, SINU Ranadi Campus and SINU Panatina Campus to be used as venues to conduct Games events.

“Based on the feedback from the national federation team currently working on a team of the size is about 530 athletes and officials covering all 24 spots.

“Senior team administrator Jane Wong-Niubalavu and I will be travelling to the Solomon Islands next week to attend the Chef de Missions' meeting. It’s one year before the games to inspect the venues and accommodation. At present, all athletes and officials will be accommodated in schools during the games, however we will be able to report more on this, upon our return.

“Team Fiji will be calling for applications for the role of general managers for the games and anticipates four appointments to be made.

The 2023 Pacific Games are scheduled to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands from November 19 to December 2, next year.