The Sangam World Cup is set to take place in Lautoka, beginning October 30, marking a significant milestone for TISI Sangam Fiji as part of its centennial celebrations. Not only is this the first time the World Cup will occur on home soil, but it also follows an 11-year hiatus after previous tournaments were hosted in locations such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with the last event in 2014.
Established by Sevaka Ratnam Sadhu Kuppuswamy in 1926, TISI Sangam Fiji will celebrate its 100th anniversary in April 2026. A dedicated Sangam World Cup Board has been formed to oversee the organization of the tournament, which will feature both local and international teams competing across various sports.
Chairperson Upendra Gounder has confirmed that 22 soccer teams will compete in three divisions: Premier Division, Masters Division, and Legends Division, with teams coming from both local and overseas backgrounds. Specifically, the Premier Division will consist of 10 teams (6 local and 4 overseas), the Masters Division will include 8 teams (4 local and 4 overseas), and the Legends Division will feature 4 teams (2 local and 2 overseas).
Additionally, a netball competition will see eight teams take part, while overseas teams will join in snooker and golf competitions. Matches for soccer will be played at Churchill Park, netball at Lautoka’s multi-purpose court, snooker at Northern Club and South Seas Club, and golf at the Denarau Golf Course in Nadi.
Gounder mentioned that the various teams participating in the soccer division represent a wide array of local clubs, including players from the Rifle Range and other Sangam teams across the Sugar City regions, and various districts in the northwest, further emphasizing the deep-rooted ties within the community.
This notable event not only promises to bring sports enthusiasts together but also emphasizes the growing importance of cultural heritage and community spirit through competitive sports. With the excitement building for the tournament, the Sangam World Cup stands as a beacon of hope and celebration for the Fijian community.
Leave a comment