The 2024 Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl competition is centered around more than just sports participation. This sentiment was expressed by Major General Jone Kalouniwai, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, during the official launch held yesterday 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.” Kalouniwai emphasized the importance of the responsibilities that both forces hold and their role in creating a better Fiji while accepting a challenge from Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew.
“It’s more than about winning or losing; it embodies the spirit we have in the forces, who we are, what we represent, and what we can do for the future of this country,” Kalouniwai noted. He highlighted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has been on a reconciliation journey aimed at forging a new path.
He also acknowledged the challenge posed by the drug crisis affecting communities, expressing hope that embodying the spirit of the Sukuna Bowl will encourage both forces to uphold high moral standards in fulfilling their duties.
In his challenge to the RFMF, Chew stated that Nasova is the rightful home of the Ratu Sukuna Bowl and expressed readiness to defend the trophy. “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 play here,” he remarked. The police team retained the Ratu Sukuna Bowl last year after a draw of 11-11 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Chew added, “With the rising social issues faced by our communities today, we advocate saying no to drugs. Since the new Ratu Sukuna tanoa was unveiled in 2022, it has only one home—Nasova—where it shall return this year.”
Salman Khan, chief commercial officer of Vodafone Fiji, noted that Fiji holds a deep passion for rugby, and this event allows the disciplined forces to compete not solely for victory but for a trophy that symbolizes camaraderie, discipline, and spirited rivalry. He encouraged players to compete with integrity, passion, and pride while carrying the legacy of past champions and the dreams of future generations.
The tentative date for the Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge is set for November 8 at the HFC Bank Stadium, with additional sports activities scheduled for that week.