The 2024 Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl competition represents more than just athletic participation. Major General Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, emphasized this point during the event’s official launch at the Naval Base in Walu Bay, Suva, yesterday. The theme for this year’s Ratu Sukuna Bowl is “Stronger Together: Building a Drug Free Nation through Family, Unity, and Reconciliation.”
Kalouniwai accepted a challenge from Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew, highlighting the obligations of both forces to contribute to a better Fiji. He stated, “It is more than about winning or losing; it’s about the spirit we share in the forces, our identity, what we stand for, and our potential for the future of this country.” He also mentioned that the RFMF has embarked on a reconciliation journey to create a new path for the organization.
Kalouniwai pointed out the ongoing drug crisis impacting communities, expressing hope that the participants embody the spirit of the Sukuna Bowl and strive to maintain high moral standards in their duties.
In response, Commissioner Chew asserted that Nasova is the rightful home for the Ratu Sukuna Bowl. He expressed the police’s readiness to defend the trophy, noting, “As career police officers, we are trained to be suspicious of everyone and we cannot help but wonder what strategy or power play is at work here.” Last year, the police retained the Ratu Sukuna Bowl after a draw against the RFMF, with a score of 11-11 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Chew reinforced that tackling rising social issues includes advocating a stance against drugs. He declared that since the unveiling of the new Ratu Sukuna tanoa in 2022, it has firmly established Nasova as its home.
Salman Khan, Chief Commercial Officer of Vodafone Fiji, commented on the nation’s passion for rugby, noting that this competition sees the disciplined forces compete not only for victory but for a trophy that symbolizes camaraderie, discipline, and spirited rivalry. “To the players, compete with integrity, passion, and pride for your team,” Khan urged, reminding them of their responsibility to uphold the legacy of past champions and the aspirations of future generations.
The tentative date for this year’s Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge is set for November 8 at the HFC Bank Stadium, with additional sports activities scheduled to commence during the same week.