Anish Khem has claimed victory in the Inter District Championship (IDC) with Labasa, marking a significant return to the prestigious tournament after winning it for the first time at just 18 years old in 2011. The 31-year-old celebrated this achievement with the Babasiga Lions at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Sunday, 13 years after his initial win.
Currently based in Melbourne, Australia, Khem made the special journey back to Fiji to represent Labasa in the tournament due to the absence of his younger brother, Ashnil Raju. Ashnil was unable to participate as he needed to be with his wife and newborn baby boy in Labasa.
“This moment means a lot to me as I dedicated this trip to my family. My brother Ashnil desperately wanted to be here for IDC, so I promised him I would play in his place. To honor him and his love for football, I wore his Number 12 jersey throughout the tournament, which gave me a sense of belonging and pride,” Khem shared.
He reminisced about their childhood spent playing football together, saying, “He would jokingly tell me not to wear his name, but he knew I would do justice to his jersey and give my all.”
Khem considers winning the IDC as a special gift for his nephew, stating, “I can tell him as he grows older that I won this trophy for him because his papa couldn’t be here. I also dedicate this victory to my family in Australia, my parents in Labasa, and a devoted Labasa supporter who recently passed away; he would have been proud to see us win the IDC.”
Reflecting on his preparation, Khem noted that participating in the Sanatan World Cup in Sydney helped him maintain fitness ahead of the IDC. “Playing for Labasa Sanatan alongside my brother and teammates kept me in shape. When I joined the team for IDC, I focused on understanding the game plan provided by the coach.”
Though initially playing in an attacking position, Khem adapted to a left-back role as instructed, contributing effectively to the team’s strategy. He acknowledged that the final match against Navua was a challenging encounter. “They were a tough opponent, having beaten us in the group stage, but we learned from that experience.”
Taking the first penalty during the final, Khem emphasized its importance for team morale. “Scoring first gives the side an advantage and boosts the team’s confidence. After my shot found the net, I looked up, thanked God, and smiled while thinking of my family.”
With the championship secured, Khem plans to spend time with his family in Labasa and expresses interest in participating in the upcoming Pacific Community Cup, potentially returning as a guest player for Ravneel Pratap’s team or representing the Australian All Stars.