SEREANA SALALO/PACNEWS

He left no stones unturned; three years later the 24-year-old Toge, Ba native fulfilled his dream to don the white jersey at the Olympic Games.  

Nasova helped the Fiji side with two tries to defeat debutants Uruguay, 40-12, at Stade de France in their opening match in before a record-breaking crowd of 69,000 spectators.  

He dedicated his tries in first Olympic Games to his family. 

"My family are my biggest supporters, and my tries are dedicated to them especially to my dad, and my son Iliesa Etuate Nasova,” Nasova said.

Despite the challenges faced along his journey, the former Dominion Brothers Rugby Club (domestic club) player is grateful for the lessons learnt.  

"I thank God for His provision in my life and all He had planned," he said.  

"I was just out of high school during the last Olympic Games and while watching the rugby matches, I told myself that one day I will represent Fiji at that level.”  

Nasova first played for Fiji at the Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games last year before he made his HSBC series debut at the Hong Kong Sevens. 

“I am glad that I was able to represent Fiji at the Pacific Games which gave me the exposure I needed for the game. 

“The Olympic Games experience is just different and is on another level. This will be a moment to remember for a lifetime,” Nasova added.  

Nasova was the lone player selected by coach Osea Kolinisau to make his debut at theHong Kong Sevens, and his consistent performances earned him a spot for the Olympic Games.