Fiji men's beach volleyball team celebrating after beating PNG Photo: Vinnie Wylie
Fiji's beach volleyball teams will compete at the Commonwealth Games for the first time after a clean sweep of the Oceania qualifiers in Port Vila.
The women's pair of Laite Nima and Iliseva Ratudina beat Solomon Islands in straight sets (21-19 21-19) in the final to secure Oceania's first ever direct entry spot in a multi-sport Games.
Laite Nima was overcome with emotion after the match.
"Oh, right now I'm just speechless of joy. I'm just so happy. This was our mission and we have accomplished our mission, I'm just so happy...We had it in our heart, we had it in our mind, we're just happy we've got the result."
Inia Korowale and Qilu Elliot then made it a double celebration, beating Papua New Guinea in three sets (21-18 18-21 15-8) to book their ticket to the Gold Coast.
Inia Korowale said even after dropping the second by the same margin they always believed they would win.
"The difference is we have the guts. When it comes to the crucial times that when you see the real Fijians, that we always have the big heart and go for it."
The Fiji women join Vanuatu in the Commonwealth Games draw while the men will be the only Pacific team competing on the Gold Coast.
"We are so proud and we hope that we will get the support also from other Pacific countries. We are going not only to represent Fiji but also the Pacific countries."
With the Oceania qualifiers complete, the Mini Games beach volleyball competitions, will get underway on Monday at the Korman Complex.
Fiji's beach volleyball teams will compete at the Commonwealth Games Photo: Vinnie Wylie
