The business sector in Labasa is gearing up to support the hosting of next year’s Battle of the Giants tournament, which is officially sanctioned by the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) and will take place at Subrail Park. Fiji FA’s chief executive, Mohammed Yusuf, announced that Labasa will be the venue for this prestigious event, and local leaders are expressing their enthusiasm.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, praised the Fiji FA for its confidence in the Labasa Town Council to organize the tournament. Jaduram emphasized that the event will stimulate economic activities within the town, highlighting Labasa’s potential for sports tourism. He noted that there is sufficient hotel accommodation available to welcome visitors from Viti Levu.
Ravneel Pratap, the men’s football coach for Labasa, views the tournament as a prime chance for the team to reclaim the title they lost this year, having previously won it in 2023. He underscored the importance of improving the facilities to ensure high-quality football during the matches. Labasa had demonstrated its capability to host large events earlier this year with the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament, which saw a significant turnout of spectators.
While preparing for the Fiji FACT, Labasa Town Council invested in new floodlights worth over $40,000. Pratap acknowledged the added excitement and pressure of competing at home as they strive for victory.
This collaborative effort among the business community, local leaders, and sports organizations reflects a vibrant and hopeful atmosphere in Labasa, positioning the town not only as a competitive sports venue but also as a burgeoning hub for tourism and community engagement. It will be exciting to see how this tournament contributes to both the local economy and the growth of sports in the region.
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