The 2025 TISI Sangam World Cup commenced at Churchill Park in Lautoka, igniting excitement among players and spectators in the Masters division with a series of riveting matches. In the opening contest, New Zealand Papatoetoe Masters secured a narrow victory over Lautoka Masters with a score of 2-1. Meanwhile, New Zealand Middlemore Masters demonstrated dominance with a convincing 4-0 win against Ba Masters. Another noteworthy performance came from Nadi Uciwai Masters, who edged out Australia Sydney Masters 1-0.
Games board chairperson Upendra Gounder shared his thoughts on the eventful start, stating, “It’s been an exciting day so far. It started off slow but the momentum picked up heading into the afternoon.” He noted the overseas teams adapted well to the weather conditions, which could have been a potential challenge, highlighting the preparedness of the teams participating.
The tournament continues today with additional matches across various categories as teams strive for early points and aim to showcase their national pride. This year’s event, marking Laurok’a hosting the Sangam World Cup for the first time since 2014, has seen participation from 22 teams divided into Premier, Masters, and Legends divisions, reflecting a significant milestone for the TISI Sangam Fiji organization.
In addition to soccer, the event includes competitions in netball, golf, and snooker, underlining the festival’s aim of fostering community ties and celebrating cultural heritage among participants. As excitement builds, the tournament not only promises competitive spirit but also acts as a celebration of the diverse cultures across the Pacific, offering a platform for unity through sports.
This gathering emphasizes the bright future of sports in Fiji, harnessing local and international talent while providing innumerable opportunities for cultural connection, thus creating an atmosphere of hope and excitement for all involved.
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