Vodafone Fiji football team captain Roy Krishna says he is privileged and honored to carry the Fiji flag during the Pacific Games in Samoa.
“It is every athletes dream to be the flag bearer for their country and I am so honored and privileged to be chosen,” Krishna said.
Krishna said he was lost to express his feeling after he was told the news.
“I was actually surprised hearing the news but I am really happy that the task has been given to me and I know it is not easy because there will be a lot expectation from me as well.”
The Fiji football last won the gold medal in the South Pacific Games in 2003 and Krishna believes there was lot of expectations from the side to win this year.
“We have a mixture of young and experienced players and Krishna adds he is hopeful that the team can do well.
He said the competition would be tough.
“I know the competition would be tough but we will take each match as it comes and will treat it as final,”
Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed acknowledged FASANOC for considering Roy’s as the flag bearer.
“I think it is a very important appointment because his achievements for 2018/2019 season is his reflection on how discipline, how dedicated he was with his approach to football and achieved so many awards with his former club Wellington Phoenix,” said Yusuf.
Yusuf said it was unfortunate that he missed out the 2018 Sportsman of the Year award during the Fiji Sports Awards Night.
“Unfortunately he missed out the 2018 Fiji Sportsman of the Year award in which Fiji FA was disappointed but now FASANOC has recognised him.”
“I think this will be the second time in history if I can recall a footballer has been given an opportunity to be the flag bearer during the SPG. I think it was former Ba rep Akuila Rover way back, “said Yusuf.
He said it would be great opportunity for Roy to carry the Fiji Flag.
“It will be great opportunity for Roy to carry the nation’s flag for the opening ceremony and he will be hit in Samoa as lot of people in Samoa know him about his achievement.”
“Roy will also attract lot of overseas media to the games especially the Indian media because immediately after the Pacific Games he will be joining his new club in India, “said Yusuf.
Yusuf said Fiji FA was extremely pleased with Roy’s appointment and achievement.
