Suva Medics secured the championship title at the second edition of the Wellness Medics Inter District Championship (IDC), held over the weekend at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour. This exciting two-day event highlighted the passion for soccer within the Fijian medical community, featuring participation from teams representing the Ministry of Health, Aspen Medical, and the private sector.
The tournament was notably spirited, concluding with Suva Medics facing off against Labasa Medics in a thrilling final. Senior orthopaedic consultant Dr. Mark Rokobuli, who is also an enthusiastic soccer player, served as the chief guest, reinforcing the values of wellness and teamwork that defined the event.
Nine teams joined the competition: three from the Northern Division, four from the Western Division, and two from the Central Division. Each team demonstrated exceptional dedication and sportsmanship, leading to an exciting knockout round that showcased the talent of the participants. In the semi-finals, Labasa Medics secured a strong 3-0 victory against Max Nadroga Medics, while Nitin Lal from Suva Medics was the standout performer in a tense penalty shootout that edged out Lautoka Aspen 3-2 after a 3-3 tie in regulation time.
The highly anticipated final saw Suva Medics claim victory with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Registered Nurse Aman Asneel Prasad of CWM Hospital, marking their first title for 2024 after finishing as runners-up the previous year. Lautoka Aspen took home third place after defeating Max Nadroga Medics 2-1.
The tournament also celebrated individual achievements and sportsmanship. Dr. Rishwan Khan from Lautoka Aspen received the Golden Boot, while Ravinesh Singh from Labasa Hospital earned the Golden Glove for conceding only two goals throughout the competition. The Best Player award was given to Dr. Divneet Chand from Labasa Hospital for his outstanding contributions on the field, and Dr. Rokobuli was acknowledged as the Most Disciplined Player, embodying the principles of respect and integrity.
Organising Committee President Dr. Neeshil Varman expressed gratitude to Aspen Medical, the Ministry of Health, and the Wellness Department for their logistical support and stressed the hard work of committee members that contributed to the event’s success. The next IDC will be hosted by Labasa, with details about the date and format to be announced in the future.
This championship not only provided a competitive platform for medical professionals but also reinforced the spirit of camaraderie and wellness within the community, promising an exciting future for the tournament.
The culmination of this event showcases the enduring passion for sports among medical professionals and highlights the importance of teamwork in pursuing health and wellness in their respective fields.
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