INDIA’S High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, has commended the Sangam movement for promoting unity, discipline, and community spirit through sports.
Speaking during the Sangam Snooker jersey handover ceremony for the Nadi Snooker team on Wednesday evening, Mehta said the event celebrated “youth, sport and community,” values that “truly capture the spirit of Fiji and the strength of the Sangam movement.”
He congratulated the organisers, sponsors, and volunteers for their commitment in making the event possible.
“The Sangam World Cup featuring six nations competing across soccer, snooker and golf is a testament to the global reach and unity of the Sangam community,” Mehta said.
Highlighting the importance of smaller sporting codes, he noted that “while major sports often capture the headlines, it is the so-called minor sports such as snooker that quietly cultivate discipline, precision and focus among our youth.
These sports teach valuable life lessons, patience, respect, strategy and composure under pressure.”
Mehta described snooker as “a game of the mind as much as of skill,” saying “every shot requires calculation, foresight and emotional control.”
He also acknowledged the role of TISI Sangam in shaping Fiji’s cultural and educational identity.
“TISI Sangam has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and educational landscape of Fiji.
“Founded in 1926 by Sadhu Kuppuswamy, TISI Sangam was established to preserve and promote the language, faith and culture of South Indians in Fiji,” he said.
To the Nadi Sangam Snooker team, Mehta extended his best wishes ahead of the 2025 Sangam World Cup in Lautoka.
“The jersey you receive tonight represents commitment, pride and the collective hopes of your community.
“When you wear it in Lautoka, you will carry with you the blessings and good wishes of not just Nadi but all of Fiji,” he said.
