Taina Basiyalo 
Fijian athletes of Indian descent are being given an opportunity to represent the country on the international stage, with trials underway at HFC Stadium for the inaugural World Girmitya Games in India.
The trials are part of preparations for the historic event, which will be held in Kolkata, India, from January 3 to 5, 2027.
The Games recognise the history, heritage and contributions of Girmityas, the Indian indentured labourers who were brought to Fiji and other countries, and their descendants.
India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, says the trials have attracted young people from across the country, all hoping to secure a place in the Fiji-India Friendship Team.
The selection trials cover athletics and football, with athletes competing in the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres and mixed relay events across the men’s and women’s categories.
Football trials will also be held as organisers look to identify the best talent to represent Fiji at the Games.
Mehta says similar trials are taking place in other countries with Girmitya communities, with selected athletes earning the opportunity to compete in India.
He is confident the Fiji-India Friendship Team will make its mark at the inaugural Games while proudly representing Fiji and honouring the legacy of its Girmitya community.
The World Girmitiya Games 2027 are scheduled to be held in Kolkata, India, from 3 to 5 January 2027, bringing together descendants of Indian indentured labourers from around the world to celebrate their shared heritage through sport.
