Fiji has finished second overall in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games medal standings, sealing their campaign with gold medals in both men’s and women’s basketball finals, and a dominant half marathon victory by distance star Yeshnil Karan on the final day of competition.
The trio of golds brought Fiji’s tally to 27 gold, 30 silver, and 24 bronze — placing them just behind overall winners Tahiti.
A standout of the competition, Heleina Young, was named the Outstanding Female Athlete of the 2025 Games, following a strong athletics campaign that saw her win three golds (400m, 200m, 4x400m relay) and two silvers. She also carried the flag for Team Fiji during last night’s closing ceremony.
In the final day of action yesterday, Yeshnil Karan led the charge with a gold medal in the Men’s Half Marathon, finishing in 1:14:58 to cement his status as Fiji’s premier long-distance runner.
Soon after, Fiji’s men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball teams delivered back-to-back golds — and with them, qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The women edged Tonga 16–13 in a tense final, while the men overcame Solomon Islands 19–18 in a thrilling finish. Both squads were praised for their resilience and teamwork.
Earlier in the Games, Fiji enjoyed strong results across several disciplines including weightlifting. Fiji took home 15 medals (5 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze) and broke 13 records across Mini Games, Oceania and Commonwealth levels.
Athletics contributed 30 medals in total, including wins from Naibili Vatunisolo (Shot Put Ambulant) and a Gold medal by Errol Qaqa in the 110m hurdles.
In beach volleyball, Fiji’s men’s team claimed bronze, defeating Tahiti in straight sets.
