Crime scene investigator Mozima Irram from the Powerlifting team was also farewelled. Sending off the team, Police Commissioner Ioane Naivalurua and president of Fiji Basketball said that the Fiji Police Force is an organisation that supports nation building and the development of our sons and daughters.

“That’s why we support you and take our work seriously in looking after you, the young men and women, the future generation of Fiji,” he said.

“We appreciate what you are doing and would like to send you off with all our best wishes and with all our love and with all our prayers.”

Coach of the men’s side Paul Whippy said that being defending champions meant they literally had bulls eye attached to their back because other teams are gunning to beat them.

“Expectations are high and we have prepared for that,” he said.

“When we won gold in both the men and women’s side what it basically did it put a bulls eye on our backs and everybody is gunning to beat Fiji so we are on the top right now so we need to lift our preparations.”

Dale Wise from the Police Force Planning Division is captain of the side.

Coach Whippy said the support from Police was a morale booster and raised their level of commitment in bringing the gold back home.

“We want to create history by winning back to back titles in consecutive Pacific Games,” he said.