Suva Medics clinched victory at the second edition of the Wellness Medics Inter District Championship (IDC) held last weekend at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour. This exciting two-day event gathered soccer enthusiasts from across the Fijian medical community, featuring teams from the Ministry of Health, Aspen Medical, and the private sector.
The tournament showcased a spirited competition with nine teams participating—three from the Northern Division, four from the Western Division, and two from the Central Division. The event culminated with four teams advancing to the knockout stages, each demonstrating remarkable dedication and sportsmanship.
In a thrilling final, Suva Medics secured their championship title with a narrow 1-0 victory against defending champions Labasa Medics. The decisive goal came from Registered Nurse Aman Asneel Prasad of CWM Hospital, marking their first championship win for 2024 after finishing as runners-up last year.
Dr. Mark Rokobuli, a senior orthopedic consultant and enthusiastic soccer player, served as the chief guest, embodying the tournament’s core themes of wellness and teamwork. His presence inspired both participants and spectators alike, highlighting the event’s significance beyond the competition itself.
In semi-final matches, Labasa Medics achieved a convincing 3-0 win over Max Nadroga Medics, while Suva Medics edged past Lautoka Aspen in an intense penalty shootout after a 3-3 tie in regular play.
Lautoka Aspen claimed third place with a 2-1 victory against Max Nadroga Medics. The tournament not only celebrated the teams’ achievements but also honored individual excellence with awards like the Golden Boot, awarded to Dr. Rishwan Khan from Lautoka Aspen, and the Golden Glove presented to Registered Nurse Ravinesh Singh from Labasa Hospital for conceding just two goals. The Best Player accolade was received by Dr. Divneet Chand from Labasa Hospital, acknowledging his standout performance.
The tournament’s Most Disciplined Player award was given to Dr. Rokobuli, emphasizing the value placed on respect and integrity in sports. Organising Committee President Dr. Neeshil Varman expressed gratitude to Aspen Medical, the Ministry of Health, and the Wellness Department for their logistical support, along with commendation to his committee for their efforts in making the event a success.
Looking ahead, Labasa has been selected to host next year’s event, with details regarding the date and format to be finalized soon. This continuity fosters hope for growing collaboration and camaraderie within the Fijian medical community through future sports events.
In summary, the Wellness Medics IDC not only provided competitive soccer but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, health, and community spirit, setting a positive precedent for future tournaments.
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