The 2024 Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl competition is about more than just sports participation. This message was conveyed by Major General Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, during the 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 emphasized the importance of the responsibilities of the respective forces in working towards a better Fiji, accepting the challenge from Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew.
“It is more than about winning or losing; it’s about the spirit we share in the forces, who we are, what we represent, and what we can contribute to the future of this country,” Kalouniwai stated. He also mentioned that over the past few months, the RFMF has embarked on a path of reconciliation, seeking to move forward constructively.
He pointed out the Fiji Police Force’s struggle with drug-related issues impacting communities and expressed hope that embodying the spirit of the Sukuna Bowl will lead to high moral standards while fulfilling their duties.
Commissioner Chew, in challenging the RFMF, asserted that Nasova remains the rightful home of the Ratu Sukuna Bowl. “The Fiji Police Force is prepared and eager to defend the Ratu Sukuna tanoa,” he remarked, acknowledging the complexities faced by police officers in their line of work.
Last year, the police team retained the Ratu Sukuna Bowl after a 11-11 draw at Prince Charles Park, Nadi. Chew added, “With the increasing social issues our communities face, we advocate for a stance against drugs.” He reiterated that since the new Ratu Sukuna tanoa was introduced to the world in 2022, it has a true home at Nasova, which it will return to this year.
Salman Khan, chief commercial officer of Vodafone Fiji, noted, “Fiji is a country that loves rugby, and this event showcases our disciplined forces not just competing for triumph, but for a trophy that represents camaraderie, discipline, and spirited rivalry.”
He urged players to compete with integrity, passion, and pride, carrying both their aspirations and the legacy of past champions, as well as the hopes of future generations. The Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge is tentatively scheduled for November 8 at the HFC Bank Stadium, with other sports events commencing during the same week.