The family of Fijian rugby star Iosefo Masi were overwhelmed after the Fiji Sevens team won Olympic gold medals last night.
His family were filmed at Waitabu Village, Fiji, being hugged by those around them as match television commentary played out in the background.
Others in the room were heard cheering, clapping and whistling.
Back on the Tokyo field, footage from moments after the final whistle of Fiji’s 27-12 win over the All Black Sevens showed several players, Vilimoni Botitu among them, on their knees in a line as the New Zealand players stood respectfully in the background.
The team then marked the occasion in traditional fashion, singing the hymn Eda Sa Qaqa — which features the lyrics “we have overcome”.
On Facebook last night, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama congratulated the team.
“Vinaka, boys — that win was worth more than gold,” he wrote.
“Your love for this game, for each other, and for your country has shown again that when Fijians unite, we can achieve greatness — no matter what the world throws our way.
“Go Fiji go!!!!”
The gold is Fiji’s second-ever Olympic medal, having won gold in the men’s seven in Rio.
Rookie Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens forward Iosefo Masi played with a fractured finger in their gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, last night.
The was confirmed by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer, John O’Connor.
“Masi was injured from the first pool game against Japan,” O’Connor said.
“The team management strapped his finger according to what was advised to them by the medical people.
“Masi will now undergo immediate surgery.”
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