Fijian boxer barred from World Champs due to new genetic test not available in Fiji
Fijian Samoan boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama was among 13 women barred from competing at the World Boxing Championships in the UK earlier this month due to a new genetic sex test requirement, a test which is not available in Fiji.
The 20-year-old was female boxer was selected to represent Fiji on the world stage, but was ruled ineligible after her test results arrived too late one day after the official competition draw.
Jasmine’s mother, Beulah Daunakamakama, who also served as the Fiji team manager at the Championships, says the situation was heartbreaking.
She says as a mother she was heartbroken for Jasmine, knowing how hard she trained knowing she would have made history for Fiji, but she took the news with grace.
The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association says it was only informed of the new testing requirement in July and followed instructions to send samples to an approved lab in the UK.
However, delays meant Jasmine and 12 other boxers from countries including Nigeria, Dominica, and the Philippines were unable to compete.
World Boxing has apologised for the situation, with its president personally meeting Jasmine after a sparring session in Liverpool.
She says the incident highlights broader challenges for female boxers in Fiji including lack of funding, facilities, and safeguarding structures.
Despite the setback, Jasmine is continuing her training and has her sights set on the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya voiced her frustrations to World Boxing saying the treatment was not acceptable.