The 2024 Vodafone Ratu Suku-na Bowl competition is more than about sports participation.

This was the message from the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai during the official launch at the Naval Base in Walu Bay, Suva, yesterday.

This years’ Ratu Sukuna Bowl theme is “Stronger Together: Building a Drug Free nation through family, unity and reconciliation”.

Kalouniwai, while accepting the challenge from the Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew, said it was about the respective forces’ responsibilities and what they can do for a better Fiji.

“I think it more than about winning or losing, it’s about the spirit that we all have in the forces, it’s about who we are, what we repre-sent and what we can do for the future of this country,” Kalouniwai said.

“For the past few months the RFMF has gone on a reconciliation path, trying to reconcile with its path to forge a new way forward for the RFMF.

“On the other hand the Fiji Police Force has been challenged by the crisis of drugs, something that is affecting our communities. I just hope that as we embody the spirit of of Sukuna Bowl in the next few months we will try as much as possible to stand on a high moral ground as we conduct our responsibilities.”

Chew while challenging the RFMF indicated that Nasova is the rightful home of the Ratu Sukuna Bowl.

“The Fiji Police Force is ready and looking forward to defend the Ratu Sukuna tanoa,” he said.

“As career police officers we are trained to be suspicious of everyone and we cannot help but wonder what strategy or power play is at play here.”

Police retained the Ratu Sukuna Bowl last year after they drew, 11-11 at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.

“With the rising social issues faced by our communities today we advocate to say no to drugs,” Chew added.

“Since the new Ratu Sukuna tanoa was showcased to the world in 2022, it has only one home, Nasova – and back home to Nasova it shall return this year.”

Vodafone Fiji chief commercial officer Salman Khan said: “Fiji is a nation passionate about rugby and this event sees our disciplined forces compete not just for victory, but for a trophy that embodies camaraderie, discipline and spirited rivalry.

“To the players, compete with in-tegrity, passion, and pride for your team. Keep in mind that you carry not only your own aspirations but also the legacy of past champions and the dreams of future generations,” Khan added.

It is stated that November 8 is the tentative date for the Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge at the HFC Bank Stadium, with other sports to kick off on the same week.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj