More Sangam Women Play Netball
The Fiji National Maathar Sangam hosted their Easter netball tournaments around the country. The tournaments were at the Nadi Sangam Netball court and Bethel Primary School in Labasa, with 37 teams participating across both locations.
Traditionally, the Fiji National Maathar Sangam holds its annual Sangam Convention where the netball tournament is played during the Easter weekend. The tournament drew netball teams from all corners of the country and overseas as well.
Former Netball Fiji development manager, Sandeep Prasad was part of the tournament as an umpire.
Prasad commended the continuous growth of the Sangam netball tournament each year. He noted the tournament’s growth in terms of team participation and the high level of competitiveness displayed in the games. “The netball fixtures at the annual Sangam Convention are always a highlight for everyone involved. This year’s tournament showcased 18 teams in the Open grade category and four teams in the Veterans grade (for women aged 45 and above), with seven international teams competing in the Open grade,” Prasad said.
He highlighted the increasing passion for netball within the Sangam community, emphasising the rising number of teams and the budding interest from young players. “At the Sangam Convention, I witnessed first-hand the passion and dedication that the players possess, despite the rain and slippery courts. These ladies were determined to play the game they love,” he remarked. Reflecting on a challenging moment during the tournament, Prasad recalled, “Just before lunch, a heavy downpour interrupted the games. After a two-hour delay and numerous discussions, the rain finally stopped, and everyone pitched in to dry the courts to resume play.”
Irene Samie, the acting president of the Fiji National Maathar Sangam, expressed her delight at the tournament’s growth and outlined plans to expand future events.
“It’s truly inspiring to witness the players’ progression at the tournament, their understanding of the game’s rules and their skill levels have noticeably improved over the years,” she said.
Samie added, “Our efforts will not end here. Throughout the year, we aim to conduct workshops to train our coaches and club administrators, as well as organise a larger tournament next year to accommodate the growing interest.”
In a thrilling finale in Nadi, Team Highbrook from New Zealand defended the Sangam Convention Netball Championship title.
Team Tuva of Sigatoka emerged victorious at the 2024 Sanatan Convention Netball in Labasa.