Siona Fernandes

Siona Fernandes is an Olympic athlete. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology (India), a master's degree in Sport and Exercise Science (New Zealand) and is currently pursuing her doctoral research degree in Australia.

Siona Fernandes
"If you can see the obstacles, you can see the possibilities"
Siona in 2012
Statistics
Real nameSiona Fatima Fernandes
Weight(s)51Kg
Height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
NationalityNZL-IND (Goa)
Born (1982-11-13) 13 November 1982
Ribandar, Goa, India
Medal record
Representing  New Zealand
Women's boxing

Fernandes trained in Indian classical dancing Bharathanatyam for 17 years before migrating to New Zealand in 2006. She joined the Army-New Zealand Defence Force and completed training in the infantry core and combat medic core in 2008. She quit the army in 2010 to pursue an amateur boxing career. In 2012, she represented New Zealand in Boxing at the Olympic Games in London.

Fernandes has received honorary awards for her sporting achievements and community contributions in India and New Zealand. She is an advocate of sport and health for youth and general population, specifically Indians.

Motto

Inspire a generation

Achievements
  • 2018 – Honorary award Indian News-link Sports & Community Awards, New Zealand Indian Sport Association, New Zealand.
  • 2017 – Nominated Educator of the Year, New Zealand.
  • 2015 – Awarded Sport and Exercise, ‘Scholar of the Year’ Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
  • 2014 – Honorary award, Sporting achievement, Lusifonia Games Organising Committee, Goa, India
  • 2011- Awarded the title of "Most scientific female boxer" at elite level female boxing in New Zealand.

Early life in India

Siona studied at Our Lady of the Rosary High School in Dona Paula. At age 7, she started training as a performing artist in Indian classical dance at the Kala Academy, Goa. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Performing arts, and was awarded a national scholarship for advanced dance studies. She also represented in many state-level basketball tournaments and was selected at the national level for basketball at the Asian school games in 1998.

At age 15, she left her home to seek the tutelage of Guru. Prof. M.R. Krishnamurthy in Bangalore, India. Fernandes conferred the title as ‘disciple’ making her debut public performance (Arangetram) after 17 years of dance training.

Career

Fernandes is well established in the sport and fitness industry for over a decade as a strength conditioning coach. She serves as New Zealand's Olympic ambassador educating youth about the Olympic values. She is passionate about sport and issues of social justice, migrant health and youth development.

Academia

Siona is currently pursuing her research interest in community health practices.

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