BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

NEW SPONSORS AND WHO PLAY WHO AT THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENT

The Punjas Group of Companies signed a three- year deal with Fiji Football Association as major sponsor for the Battle of the Giants tournament. This was confirmed during the official pool draws for the 42nd B.O.G at the Oceans Soaps Pte Limited at Navutu, Lautoka, yesterday.

The tournament will be from August 7-9 and August 15 -16 at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Punjas Group of Companies Director Rajesh Punja said they are proud and privileged to be the naming sponsor for the tournament.

He said Punjas was established in 1935 and is celebrating 85 years of serving the people of Fiji.

“We could not think of any better way to mark this milestone, other than giving back to the football community.

“Our corporate policy places great emphasis on community development and we believe sport has an incredible ability to bring people together,” he said.

“Punjas has always supported the sporting community as part of our corporate social responsibility.”

Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel said the sponsorship is very timely.

“Coming from the directors of Punjas show their support in developing football in Fiji in this difficult time,” Patel said.

He indicated that Fiji FA through tournaments such as the 2020 Punjas B.O.G encourages concepts such as professionalism. Patel added that selected matches will be shown live on FBC TV.

Pool draws

Meanwhile, defending champions Labasa have been pooled alongside Ba, Suva and Nasinu in Group A. Group B are hosts Lautoka, Rewa, Nadi and Navua.

“We have all witnessed some surprising results in our national league recently so I would like to reiterate that no team could be taken lightly in the tournament,” Patel said. The total sponsorship amount was not disclosed. However, the tournament winner get $18, 000, runners- up $5000 and two losing semifinallists collect $2500.

Fiji FA also clarified that spectators capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions would only cater 6000 people. Tickets prices are $15 pavilion A, $12 Pavilion B and $6 embankment.

Group A: Labasa, Ba, Suva, Nasinu; Group B: Lautoka, Rewa, Nadi, Navua.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia From left: Punjas Group of Companies director Parvesh Punja, Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel, Nitin Punja, Kanti Punja, chairman Jagjiwan Punja, and director Rajesh Punja during the launch of the Battle of the Giants tournament at Punjas Ocean Soaps Pte Limited in Navutu, Lautoka on July 24, 2020.