At just 16 years old, Namosi Secondary School student Paulini Nagata is making her mark in handball, with the young goalkeeper relying on teamwork and communication as they prepare for the Asian Women's Handball Championship.
The Year 11 student from Navunibau in Namosi says handball is similar to netball and football, making it an enjoyable and exciting sport to play.
Nagata says handball is mainly played by women and has helped her develop new skills and techniques.
Playing as a goalkeeper, she says communication is one of her biggest responsibilities on the court.
Nagata says she must always be prepared and work closely with her six teammates by constantly communicating with them, organising the defence and ensuring everyone is in the right position during a match.
She believes good teamwork and communication are essential for success and hopes more young people, especially girls, will take up handball and enjoy the opportunities the sport has to offer.
The 2026 Asian Women's Handball Championship will kick off tomorrow at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre in Hong Kong, with Group A matches scheduled over the opening five days of competition.
Fiji has no fixtures scheduled this week.
