Women in Sports - The phrase “Actions speak louder than words” best describes Lala Malia Ravatu. The 18 year old, first represented Fiji in 2011 and classes this moment as one of her best hockey memories, as she got to play alongside her mother Leilani Ravatu. Since then her hockey career took off and Lala is now taking the hockey pitch by storm as she dribbles past defenders during local competition and at times, gives the men a good run when the opportunity avails. Lala may be one of the quietest in the Fiji Team, but through her amazing skill work and vision to set play up, she has earned her place as Fiji’s Top Midfielder. She also had the privilege of captaining the Under 18 Fiji Hockey Women’s Team to Vanuatu for the Olympic Qualifiers, as well as leading them to the Youth Olympics Games in China. Lala began playing hockey in 2008 when she joined the Marist Women’s Hockey Club. The biggest influence on her hockey career has been her mother, who she dedicates everything to. “My mum is my motivator and she influenced me to play hockey. She is my happiness and I love everything about her” says Lala. The shy teenager admits that her mother has such a big heart and also looks after all her friends. “My friends are also close to her and they even call her Mum” she says as she giggles away. Lala boasts that her biggest hockey achievement to date is being part of the 2012 Fiji Women’s Team who created history and won Gold Medal at the Oceania Pacific Cup. When Lala has spare time, she loves playing basketball, volleyball and she also enjoys dancing, even though she admits she’s too shy to show it. Lala believes that without God, she would not be where she is today. “I give all the Glory to God, I know he gave me this talent and I am ever so grateful” she says. The Seventh Former at Saint Joseph’s Secondary School names John AhTong as her role model and is in awe of his amazing skills. “I really love the way he plays and how he drag flicks, and I hope one day to be like him or better” says Lala. After leaving school Lala hopes to become an Economist. Lala will also be part of the team, who takes on the likes of the mighty Aussies next week Wednesday and will definitely provide them with a challenge in the midfield. (Story by Catherine Thaggard, Melba Nautu & Maxine Browne)
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 02:52:18 +0000
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