Simran Chand 
Emily Narayan. [Photo Credit: Edmonton Fiji Sports Association]
For Canadian-based footballer Emily Narayan, joining the Fiji women’s football team has been a journey of reconnecting with her heritage.
Despite only being with the team for a short time, she has quickly embraced the culture and feels a strong connection to her Fijian roots.
Narayan says she felt welcomed by the team instantly, with the players showing a lot of warmth and kindness.
“I’m just ultimately proud of them, with them, I’m glad they accepted me even though I’ve known them for less than a week honestly. Playing with them, I feel so much more connected to my roots entirely, they’re teaching me Fiji language and stuff and like the culture they do. I love it.”
She stated that playing for the team means a great deal to her, as it gives her the chance to represent her country and potentially help them qualify for the World Cup.
“Football is my life, it’s what I was based around since I was a very young age, I play for my brothers now, I play for my mom, I play for my dad, I play for relatives in heaven, I play for these girls.”
Fiji will play Cook Islands in their first group match today at 1pm.
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