Fiji has begun its preparations for the inaugural World Girmitiya Games 2027, with selection trials held in Suva to identify athletes who will represent the Fiji-India Friendship Team at the international sporting event in Kolkata.
The Games will take place from 3 to 5 January 2027 and bring together descendants of Indian indentured labourers, known as Girmitiyas, from around the world to celebrate their shared history and cultural connections through sport.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta inaugurated the selection trials at HFC Stadium, highlighting the opportunity for the Games to reconnect people with their Girmitiya heritage while strengthening ties between Fiji and India.
The athletics trials featured the 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre races, the 4×100-metre mixed relay and long jump. Aspiring footballers also competed in the men’s and women’s categories for a place in the team.
The selected athletes will represent Fiji as part of the Fiji-India Friendship Team at the Games in Kolkata.
The High Commission of India in Suva congratulated the men and women selected in athletics and football and acknowledged the participants, partner organisations, coaches and officials who contributed to the trials.
Swimming selection trials are scheduled for 7 November at Aqua Point, following the athletics and football trials held on 1 November at HFC Stadium.
Mehta had earlier encouraged eligible athletes to take part, saying the Games would provide an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent on an international platform and strengthen the relationship between India and Fiji.
The inaugural event is expected to bring together participants from around 18 countries, including Fiji, South Africa and Kenya, reflecting the global reach of the Girmitiya community.
The Games aim to honour the shared history of Girmitiya communities, promote sporting talent and build stronger people-to-people connections between India and countries shaped by the history of indentured migration.
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