BY JOY OFASIA
THE experience of winning a silver medal in Karate at the XVII Pacific Games 2023 was a life-changing experience for Solomon Islands Karate athlete Junior Otoi after his medal victory in the men’s finals of the 84kg division at the SIFF Academy facility on Thursday last week.
“The Pacific Games was an amazing experience. It has changed my perspective on karate as a discipline and introduced me to people and experiences that are well beyond my previous narrow experience, all of which have had a profound impact on me.
“I am extremely glad to have had this opportunity. It was a wonderful experience on multiple levels. It challenged me and expanded me intellectually and socially. I feel that this experience has had an immense impact on me,” the Pacific Games silver medalist told RAW SPORTS.
Junior said playing karate was a life-changing experience for him. Before involving himself in this sport, he engaged in other activities, such as drugs and alcohol, plus other activities that did not benefit him.
Junior started to get involved in Karate 3 years ago, and since then, the sport of Karate has inspired him to learn and appreciate the sport.
He revealed that winning a silver medal is a great achievement for him and the country.
“I have been practicing very hard in the past months under the expertise of top coaches and also competing in regional championships, and to win a silver medal is a true testament to my hard work and determination,” said the athlete from Malaita province.
Junior later acknowledged his coaches for all their technical support for him through training and encouragement in shaping him to achieve his goal.
“I would also like to acknowledge my coaches for all their support for him through training and encouragement in shaping him to achieve his goal, not forgetting my family and friends,” he added.
