The 2024 Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl competition goes beyond mere athletic participation. Major General Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, conveyed this message during the event’s official launch at the Naval Base in Walu Bay, Suva.
This year’s theme for the Ratu Sukuna Bowl is “Stronger Together: Building a Drug-Free Nation through Family, Unity, and Reconciliation.” While accepting the challenge from Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew, Kalouniwai emphasized the significance of the forces’ responsibilities in contributing to a better Fiji.
“It’s more than about winning or losing; it’s about the spirit that we all have in the forces, who we are, what we represent, and what we can do for the future of this country,” said Kalouniwai. He noted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces has been on a path of reconciliation to forge a new future.
Kalouniwai acknowledged the Fiji Police Force’s struggle with the drug crisis impacting communities and expressed hope that embodying the spirit of the Sukuna Bowl would encourage moral integrity in fulfilling their duties.
Chew, in his challenge to the RFMF, asserted that Nasova is the rightful home for the Ratu Sukuna Bowl. “The Fiji Police Force is prepared and eager to defend the Ratu Sukuna tanoa,” he stated, adding, “As career police officers, we are trained to be suspicious of everyone, and we can’t help but wonder what strategy or power play is at work here.” The police retained the Ratu Sukuna Bowl last year after a draw of 11-11 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
“With the increasing social issues faced by our communities today, we advocate to say no to drugs,” Chew remarked. He affirmed that since the new Ratu Sukuna tanoa was showcased globally in 2022, it has one home: Nasova.
Salman Khan, chief commercial officer of Vodafone Fiji, stated, “Fiji is a nation passionate about rugby, and this event allows our disciplined forces to compete not just for victory, but for a trophy that represents camaraderie, discipline, and spirited rivalry.” He reminded players to compete with integrity, passion, and pride, noting that they carry the aspirations of not only themselves but also the legacy of past champions and the hopes of future generations.
The tentative date for the Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge is November 8 at the HFC Bank Stadium, with additional sports events set to begin that same week.