Speaking during the traditional ceremony at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa acknowledged the team and officials for presenting the iTautau ceremony, saying it is an important part of Fijian culture and tradition.
Nalumisa says the ceremony carries the Government's blessing and that blessings will follow when traditions are observed in the right way.
He says Fiji's identity and cultural values define who Fijians are, and the players must uphold those values when they travel overseas.
The Minister reminded the Under-18 girls that they will not only be representing Fiji but also their individual families, urging them to make the country proud.
Nalumisa also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the players and their families to prepare for the tournament and encouraged the team to give their best, regardless of the result.
Quoting former United States President John F. Kennedy, Nalumisa told the players, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," encouraging them to proudly serve Fiji.
Meanwhile, Head of Delegation Lusi Rokoura says the team is excited and eager to compete after months of preparation.
Rokoura says the girls qualified for the World Championship after winning the Oceania Youth Championships in the Cook Islands last October and are looking forward to testing themselves against some of the world's best teams.
She says Fiji has been drawn alongside world number four France, Egypt and Croatia, and while the challenge will be tough, the team's goal is to become the best versions of themselves and gain valuable international experience.
Rokoura says most of the players are still in high school, making the opportunity even more significant for their development.
She says the team will spend a few days in Hong Kong to acclimatise before travelling to Romania, adding that while the players are nervous, they are equally determined to make history.
Rokoura also acknowledged the financial challenges the team faced after qualifying, thanking parents and families for their sacrifices, as well as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Office of the Prime Minister for providing much-needed financial assistance that made the trip possible.
Looking beyond the tournament, Rokoura says Fiji Handball plans to strengthen the sport through more awareness programmes across the country, increased school competitions and a stronger pathway from grassroots to the national team.
She says Fiji's participation at the World Championship is a historic milestone not only for the country but for the Pacific region, and the team is honoured to represent both Fiji and the region on the world stage.
After meeting Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Office of the Prime Minister today, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua stopped by to wish her cousin, Rokoura, and the Fiji Under-18 girls' team all the best ahead of their historic campaign at the IHF Women's Youth World Championship in Romania.
Qereqeretabua also gave a donation to support the team's preparations and participation in the tournament.
The Fiji Under-18 girls will begin their historic IHF Women's Youth World Championship campaign against world number four France on 29th July.
They will then face hosts Croatia on 30th July before taking on Egypt on the 1st of August in their final pool match.
Fiji is making its first appearance at the tournament, becoming the first Pacific nation to compete at the IHF Women's Youth World Championship.
