Anish Khem achieved Inter District Championship (IDC) success with Labasa at just 18 years old in 2011 and made a triumphant return to lift the prestigious trophy again after 13 years on Sunday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Currently residing in Melbourne, Australia, Khem traveled to Fiji to represent Labasa in place of his younger brother, Ashnil Raju, who was unable to participate due to the birth of his son. “It’s a special moment for me as I made this trip for my family. My brother desperately wanted to be part of the IDC but I assured him I would take his place. To honor him, I decided to wear his Number 12 jersey instead of my usual Number 7,” he explained.
Khem expressed that wearing Ashnil’s jersey gave him a sense of connection and pride as his brother. He reflected on their shared love for football, mentioning that Ashnil believed Khem would uphold the honor of wearing his number. Winning the tournament held great significance for Khem, who views it as a special gift for his newborn nephew.
“I will be able to tell him that I won this trophy for him since his father could not make it. I also dedicate this win to my family in Australia and my parents back in Labasa, as well as to a dear Labasa fan we recently lost,” said Khem, who expressed how proud this individual would have been to see the team’s victory.
Khem credited his fitness to participating in the Sanatan World Cup in Sydney prior to the IDC, where he played alongside his brother. Adjusting to different roles during the tournament, he noted how he began playing as a forward before shifting to left-back, contributing effectively to the team’s strategies.
Reflecting on the final match, he highlighted the challenge posed by Navua, a deserving opponent who had previously defeated them in the pool stages. Khem emphasized the intensity of the game and the shift to a penalty shootout, expressing satisfaction in their ultimate success.
Taking the first penalty was crucial for Khem to set a positive tone for the team. “It’s vital for the first kicker to score, as it builds morale and confidence among the teammates,” he shared, recalling his sense of gratitude and connection with his family after scoring.
Now that the championship is secured, Khem looks forward to spending time with his family in Labasa and is considering returning for the upcoming Pacific Community Cup, whether as a guest player for his current team or to represent the Australian All Stars.