Anish Khem celebrated his successful return to the Inter District Championship (IDC) by lifting the prestigious trophy with Labasa on Sunday at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Khem, who achieved IDC victory previously at just 18 years old in 2011, made a special trip from his home in Melbourne, Australia to support the team in place of his younger brother, Ashnil Raju, who was unable to participate due to the birth of his son.
Khem expressed the significance of this moment, stating that he made the journey to honor family. “It’s a special moment as I made this trip all for my family. My brother Ashnil could not make it to the IDC because his wife has given birth to a healthy baby boy, and he needed to be with them in Labasa,” he said. To pay tribute to his brother’s passion for football, Khem wore Ashnil’s Number 12 jersey, which he felt connected him to his brother and his family’s legacy.
He recalled how their sibling rivalry fueled his determination to perform well. “He would jokingly tell me not to put his name down but deep down inside knew that I would do justice to his jersey and give my best,” he shared. Winning the tournament meant a lot to him, especially as a gift for his newborn nephew, and he dedicated the victory to his family in Australia and his parents in Labasa, as well as a close family friend who passed away recently.
Khem credited his participation in the recent Sanatan World Cup in Sydney as key to maintaining his fitness, allowing him to integrate well with the Labasa team. “That tournament helped me to stay fit, and when I joined the team, I worked hard to understand the game plan,” he explained. Initially playing forward, he later transitioned to a left-back role and felt he contributed effectively to the team’s defense.
Reflecting on the final match against Navua, Khem acknowledged the intensity of the competition, especially after facing them in a prior pool game. “It was tough… they beat us in the pool game, and we knew what to expect. They played very well in the final, and the penalty shootout could have gone either way,” he remarked.
In the crucial penalty shootout, Khem took the first kick, recognizing its importance in motivating the team. “It’s essential for the first kicker to score; it gives the team an advantage and boosts morale. I was confident and when the net shook after my attempt, I just looked up and thanked God,” he recounted.
With the tournament concluded, Khem looks forward to spending time with family in Labasa and hopes to participate in the upcoming Pacific Community Cup, possibly returning as a guest player or representing the Australian All Stars.