Athletics Fiji coaches are being put under pressure to drop any athlete who has not improved their qualifying time for the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea next month.

It is understood that a directive has been made to drop any athlete who has not made any progress in their times, despite only 18 days remaining until the Games.

Athletics Fiji President Joe Rodan says they are targeting a minimum of eight gold medals at the regional meet.

Only last week, Team Fiji officials had to scramble to replace sprinter, Batinisavu Uluiyata with Ratu Tira Narara, after the former had pulled out to join the Toulon rugby academy in France later this month.

The Pacific Games will be held from July 4-18.