Ba ready to defend Sangam title
BA will defend the 2022 Then India Sarmagya Ikya (TISI) Sangam Champion vs Champion title at Prince Charles Park in Nadi this weekend.
The side will face stiff competition from the likes of 2022 TISI Sangam Convention winner Lautoka and hosts Nadi for the main title.
Acting Then India Valibar (TIV) Sangam president Sheshant Kumar said the pool draws had been done.
Kumar said after a lapse of two years, the competition would take place.
"The tournament was shelved after 2019 because of COVID-19," he said.
"We have now complied with all the regulations and the teams from around the country will be representing their districts. The initial plan was to involve overseas teams as well, but due to a quick turnaround with the 2023 TISI Sangam Convention earmarked for early April next year, it would have become impossible to take part in two events in a space of a few months."
Some football matches will be played at the Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College (SSKMC) ground at Nadi. Kumar said nine teams would take part in the main division, while five teams will participate in the Over 40 Masters division.
"To culminate the event, there is also a snooker competition which has attracted more than 30 players," he said.
"The snooker competition will be held at the Nadi Sports and Social Club at Navakai.
“The theme for this year's tournament is 'Sangam Is Strength'. This portrays the fibre that connects individuals together."
Nadi is grouped with Lomawai and Tagitagi. Defending champion Ba will face Nadroga and Navoci in the group stage while Rifle Range, Lautoka and Navua will battle each other.
Solovi, Lautoka, Rifle Range, Nadi and Southern will feature in the masters category.