The Changing of the Guard: A New Era for Badminton Fiji Association

After more than four decades of dedication to badminton in Fiji, the Whiteside family is bidding farewell to their official roles within the Badminton Fiji Association (BFA).

Driven by a deep sense of duty to keep the sport alive in Fiji, Barry Whiteside and his daughters, Karyn and Andra, have been the heartbeat of BFA for a long time.

Barry served as President of the association for over 20 years, guiding and promoting the sport at all levels. Since 2023, he has remained on the committee, offering guidance and support to the young leaders moving up the ranks.

Karyn, a three-time Commonwealth Games representative, served as Vice President for BFA for several years. She was also a member of Badminton Oceania’s Executive Board for four years.

Andra has also been integral to the association, both as a national-representative player and behind the scenes, contributing significantly to the committee’s work.

Reflecting on her time with Badminton Fiji, Karyn said badminton has always been a family sport, and that training, competing, and travelling together have given her a lifetime of memories.

“There are so many amazing badminton memories, I couldn’t possibly highlight them all, but the journey was special because we got to do it together,” she said. “We would like to wish our fellow Pacific badminton players the best for their future plans and to thank them for the wonderful memories and friendships we have made over all the years of playing badminton.”

Karyn will still remain involved in the sport through coaching and supporting her sons, who also play. She also recognises the work that her father has done of countless years.

“I think Dad steps away having thoroughly earned a much-deserved rest from all the years of service he has given the sport, but of course, [he] remains a huge support for my sons in sharing their love for badminton.”

Julie Carrel, Secretary General of Badminton Oceania, described the family as the core of badminton in Fiji.

“Badminton Oceania would like to thank Barry, Karyn, and Andra for their decades of work for the sport in Fiji,” she said. “They have been the glue of Badminton Fiji for many years, working hard to get teams to Commonwealth Games, Pacific Games and Oceania Championships. It is fantastic to now see the next generation coming through, witnessed at the recent Oceania Junior Championships with Karyn’s son included in the Fiji team.  I hope the incoming team will continue to build on the foundation which has been created and we will see Fiji Badminton continue to grow and develop in future years.”

A New Age For Badminton In Fiji

A new chapter began for Badminton Fiji last week, as the association elected a new president and welcomed three fresh faces to its Executive Committee during the AGM.

Leading the way is Steven Low, stepping into the role of President.

Previously serving as Vice President, Steven has also supported BFA internationally as a team manager and coach, most recently at the VICTOR Oceania Championships in Auckland this February.

For Steven, his decision to run for President stemmed from a deep-seated passion for the sport and belief in its potential in Fiji.

“I felt a responsibility to contribute more actively to the sport’s strategic development and to help build a more robust and inclusive badminton community,” he said. “The support I received was truly humbling, and I am incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me by the association members.”

In the short term, he hopes to strengthen grassroots development by expanding outreach programs to schools and communities, introducing more young people to the sport, and improving engagement by fostering better communication and transparency among members.

Enhancing the development of coaches and officials is also in his plan to elevate the standard of the sport across the country.

Long term, the new committee aspires to achieve sustainable growth in the sport, elevate national and regional performance standards through structured player development pathways, and promote inclusivity and diversity.

The New Committee

With a mix of new faces and experienced members on the BFA committee, Steven is excited about the opportunity to work with the newly formed group.

“It’s a dynamic group of individuals, each bringing unique strengths, diverse professional backgrounds, and a shared dedication to badminton,” Steven said. “What truly excites me is their collective energy, innovative ideas, and willingness to collaborate… which I believe will foster a vibrant environment for progressive decision-making and effective implementation of our plans.”

For the committee, strengthening ties with other member nations and collaborating on initiatives that benefit the entire badminton community are on their mind.

With their signature Bula spirit, Steven and the BFA team look forward to collaborating with other member associations, sharing experiences, learning together, and building a brighter future for badminton across Oceania.