Anaseini Nauqe’s stand firm against the challenges that threatened to derail her pursuit of representing her country at the 2023 Netball World Cup. Despite facing significant setbacks, this young lady from Bemana, Nadroga with maternal links to Taveuni says her determination remains fixed, propelling her towards her ultimate goal.
Nauqe’s journey in netball began at the age of nine when her family relocated to Australia. She joined the St John netball club, where her passion for the sport ignited, and she envisioned herself playing for Fiji on the grandest stage of her netball career.
However, shortly after her debut for the Fiji Pearls at last year’s Pacific Aus Sports, Nauqe encountered a major setback suffering a knee injury, and later the same year she discovered she was pregnant. Many assumed that these obstacles would bring her netball aspirations to an end. Yet, Nauqe remained resolute and undeterred, refusing to let her injuries define her future.
“Facing a knee injury at the Pacific Aus Sports last year was a significant setback for me. Additionally, becoming pregnant seemed to amplify the doubts surrounding my netball career. However, I made a firm decision not to let these setbacks hinder my comeback,” Nauqe shares with determination.
“I constantly reminded myself that I would make a comeback. Just two months after having my beautiful baby girl I resumed training and returned to the court.”
Nauqe invested countless hours of hard work and dedication, persevering day in and day out. Her unwavering belief in her ability to bounce back led to her selection for the Fiji Pearls at the Pacific Aus Sports netball competition in April of this year after attending the Fiji Pearls Camps.
Nauqe is immensely grateful to her family for their untiring support throughout her journey. They never lost faith in her, providing the encouragement and backing she needed during challenging times.
“The support from my family is unparalleled. They recognized my determination to make a comeback, and they stood by me every step of the way. Their support never wavered,” Nauqe expresses gratefully.
Nauqe who plays for the Lomaiviti Club in Suva firmly believes that with a clear goal in mind and persistent effort, all young girls can achieve their netball dreams. She holds the strong conviction that hard work is the key to a successful outcome.
“As long as you set your goals and are willing to put in the necessary work, you will eventually achieve what you aim for. I firmly believe that hard work is the foundation for success,” Nauqe affirms.
As Nauqe continues to pursue her dream of playing at the Netball World Cup, her inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and dedication. She is determined to be a reminder to players to stay focused and to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
