By Loata Waqanivavalagi, ABC Pacific
Amateur boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama was ruled ineligible to compete at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool last month. Photo: Lewis - Hill Boxing promotions
Fijian/Samoan amateur boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama was one of 13 women barred from competing at the World Boxing Championships in the UK earlier this month after failing to meet a new genetic sex test requirement, a test not available in Fiji.
Jasmine's mother Beulah, who was the Fiji boxing team's manager at the World Championships, has now called for more support for women's boxing in Fiji.
"As a mother I was heartbroken for Jasmine, knowing how hard she trained," she said.
"She would have made history for Fiji, but she took the news with grace. Her focus is always on giving her best in the ring."
Jasmine with her mother and Fiji Boxing team's manager Beulah Daunakamakama. Photo: The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA)
The 20-year-old, who was sidelined with other women boxers from Nigeria, Dominica and the Philippines, was set to be the sole female representing Fiji on the world's biggest stage.
The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association only learned of the new testing requirement in July and followed instructions to send samples to an approved UK lab.
However, the results only arrived the day after the competition draw, meaning Jasmine and others were ruled ineligible.
World Boxing has apologised, with its president personally speaking to Jasmine after a sparring session in Liverpool.
The test was introduced for female boxers for the first time this year, with plans to extend similar checks to male athletes in 2026.
Jasmine wasn't the only boxer who was sidelined by the new rule - 12 other women from around the world also missed out in competing. Photo: The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA)
Beulah Daunakamakama, speaking as a mother and as Fiji's team manager, said the rollout had been poorly handled and unfairly disadvantaged athletes from smaller nations.
"In Fiji this kind of test simply isn't available,'' she said. "Rules are important, but the way this was managed was not fair.
"We want to work with World Boxing to understand what alternatives might be acceptable, so our women aren't left out again."
While acknowledging the need for safety and regulation in boxing, Beulah says this highlights bigger challenges for women in the sport from funding and facilities to safeguarding.
"We need more support for women's boxing in Fiji," she said.
"If rugby has flourished because of strong funding and resources, why not boxing? Our women deserve the same chance."
Beulah acknowledged it's important to safeguard policies to protect young female athletes but emphasised she doesn't want the bigger picture to be ignored.
"Sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment are real risks. We only need to look at the statistics on violence against women in Fiji to understand why we must actively manage this. Girls should feel safe to step into the ring," she said.
Jasmine is not letting the disappointment of not being able to compete at the World Boxing Championships get in the way of her training. Photo: The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA)
"It's about making sure there's a pathway for the next generation of female boxers. We need more female officials, stronger policies, better facilities and real investment. It's important that Fiji recognise rugby is not the only sport we are good at."
Despite the setback, Jasmine has set her sights on next year's Commonwealth Games and her long-term dream is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For now though, her focus is on training, diet, technical development and gaining valuable ring time.
-ABC Pacific
