Bulileka resident 76-year-old Mala Wati rooted for Fiji to win gold in Rio and won a bet against 54-year-old son Avinesh Chand

Mala Wati of Bulileka, Labasa, got her birthday present early yesterday.

Ms Wati, who turns 76 today, was among about 20,000 people at the ANZ National Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva to celebrate Rio Olympics 7s gold heroes.

She last visited Suva 11 years ago.

She came with her only son, Avinesh Chand, 54, on a three-day trip to Suva visiting her relatives and witnessing Fiji’s historic moment.

“My family and I never missed any of the Fiji 7s rugby games and today, being here on this historic moment to see them with their biggest achievement was beyond my expectations,” Ms Wati said.

“My husband passed away three years ago and since then it is just me, my son and his family.

“I had told my son that this year Fiji will win the Rio Olympics 7s but my son disagreed.

“I asked him to put up a bet with me. If Fiji wins he has to take me to Suva and that is what happened.”

Emotional Ms Wati was overjoyed to see the boys walk into the stadium. This was her first time to see the players in person.

“Although I was sitting far and couldn’t meet them, but I was happy to be here and witness this special day,” she said.

“I wish and pray that our boys make more achievements in their lives to make every Fijian proud.”

Mr Chand said he didn’t believe it when he was told by his mother that she won the bet.

“I was driving to Savusavu when my mother called me and said ‘I win the bet, take me to Suva’,” Mr Chand said.

“I thought she was joking and right then I heard on radio that Fiji won the Olympics final. I had promised her that I will take her to Suva on her birthday and that’s why she is here today to enjoy her winning prize and birthday present together.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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