Fiji’s distance runner Yeshnil Karan struck gold once again this morning in the Men’s Half Marathon, setting the pace for Team Fiji on the final day of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games — where both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are also set to compete for gold in their respective finals today.
Fiji’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are aiming for gold after exciting semifinal victories earlier on.
In the men’s semifinal, Team Fiji recorded a 21-18 victory over Tonga, while the women’s team defeated Northern Marianas 12-11. Both finals are scheduled for later today— the women’s final against Tonga tipping off at 5 pm, followed by the men’s at 5.25 pm (Fiji Time) against Solomon Islands.
The double-final appearance caps off what has been a strong showing by Team Fiji across multiple disciplines at the Games.
Also, earlier today, Team Fiji triathletes claimed Bronze in the Aquathlon Mixed competition — and Karan proving once again that he is unstoppable, securing gold in the Men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:14:58.00 over 21.0975 km.
His gold medal finish wrapped up Team Fiji Athletics’ campaign with a 30-medal haul: 11 golds, 11 silvers, and eight bronze. Heleina Young added her third gold medal yesterday in the Women’s 200m with a time of 24.01 seconds. Other standout performances included Naibili Vatunisolo, who won gold in the Women’s Shot Put Ambulant (8.72m); Waisake Tewa, silver in the Men’s 200m (21.60s) and as part of the 4x400m Mixed Relay team; and Reki Roberts, silver in the Women’s Triple Jump (11.00m) The Mixed 4x400m Relay team — Tewa, Young, Waisea Tuiyababa and Adi Ceva Lutumailagi — also delivered a silver-medal run, clocking 3:31.77.
Also yesterday, Fiji’s Men’s Beach Volleyball team made the podium, defeating Tahiti in straight sets to take bronze. The medal was celebrated by Sakiusa Naivana and Wilisoni Loga, alongside coach Apenisa Saukuru.
The Games will wrap up with the closing ceremony at 9pm (Fiji Time).
Photo: Team Fiji
