Dedication pays off for Matanatabu
FIJI squash rep Marika Matanatabu is reaping the fruits of his hard work and daily training since he was 11 years old.
The Northern Club, Lautoka-based rep will represent Fiji in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England next month.
“I am grateful for the opportunity as this is my highest achievement,” he said.
“I plan to do my best for Fiji after being selected to represent Fiji in the Commonwealth Games.”
The Fijian No.1 player will be among the Fijian contingent of 98 athletes which will compete in the games from July 28 to August 8.
Matanatabu is training in Brisbane under former world No.64, Bradley Hindle, after moving to Australia early this year.
“Preparations are going well with technical squash training sessions five days a week and strength and conditioning twice a week leading up to the games. I’ve felt a big improvement in my game since training at the Daisy Hill Club.”
His father Eremasi Matanatabu paid tribute to his son’s perseverance over the years.
“We are proud of Marika’s selection to represent Fiji in the Commowealth Games,” Eremasi said.
“Since taking up the sport when he was 11 years old, he has always shown dedication and discipline. We thank Squash Fiji, the squash family, Rita Takiveikata and Ratu Wiliki Takiveikata, and the Northern Club squash family for their role in developing Marika’s game when he started playing squash.”
Squash Fiji president Blair Macaskill said Fijian female No.1 Alison Yee failed to qualify for the games.
“We initially were not sending players to the Commonwealth Games, but upon receiving a request from the World Squash Federation (WSF) and the Oceania Squash Federation (OSF) for Fiji’s participation, we tried to get both our No.1 men’s and women’s players,” he said.
“Team Fiji’s process for consideration and new selection criteria is more stringent than the last Commonwealth Games. Unfortunately our ladies No.1 player Alison Yee missed out on selection as a result.
“This will be an amazing opportunity for Marika to compete at the highest level. It is excellent exposure and preparation as Fiji will host the 2023 Oceania Championships in October next year.”
Matanatabu will be accompanied by Squash Fiji vice-president Michael Irava as the section manager.