Nadi Sports Club showcased a remarkable team effort to secure the Som Padyachi Cup, triumphing over South Seas Club of Lautoka with a score of 9–5 in an engaging night of snooker that emphasized skill, discipline, and teamwork.
The hosts established a strong start, as Rimal Narayan and Shivan Goundar won the opening set, providing Nadi with an early edge. Following this momentum, David Reddy and Vineel Nand extended their lead to 4–0, putting immediate pressure on the visiting South Seas team.
Captain Kailash Goundar proved pivotal, delivering a composed performance that further solidified Nadi’s control of the match. Fiji’s top-ranked snooker player, Sahil Prasad, also performed outstandingly, defeating Esala Talebula in an impressive frame, ensuring the home team maintained its dominance.
While the South Seas Club managed to claw back a frame through Nitesh Chand, reducing the deficit to 5–1, the Nadi squad remained formidable. The victory was ultimately sealed when Mahendra Deo and Jashwin Nair delivered strong performances, with Naushad Khan also winning his match, ensuring that the prestigious Som Padyachi Cup remained with Nadi.
Following their win, captain Kailash Goundar commended the team’s unity and unwavering support. “This victory belongs to every player and their families who supported us. The teamwork, unity, and commitment shown by the boys made this achievement possible,” he stated.
Goundar also paid tribute to Som ‘Uncle’ Padyachi, the club president and former Fiji snooker champion, whose influence inspired the players throughout the competition. Additionally, appreciation was shown to supporter Eddie, who contributed to the team’s post-match gathering.
The Nadi Sports Club recognized all members, including those who didn’t participate in the main matches, emphasizing that this success was a collective achievement for the entire club.
Looking ahead, Nadi Sports Club will shift its focus to the Northwest Snooker League while embracing future challengers eager to compete against the new Som Padyachi Cup champions. Ultimately, the event celebrated camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a shared passion for snooker, reinforcing the community spirit within the club and the sport.
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