Soccer unites nations
Further to the editorial of July 21, I fully agree with editor–in–chief Fred Wesley: the FIFA World Cup reminded the world of the power of sport to unite nations, inspire young and old, and lift national pride. Watching all the teams in a marathon period of great soccer, so well arranged by the USA, was superb. In the end, Spain and Argentina on the global stage, with billions tuned in, showed what is possible when a country commits to long–term development and believes in its athletes. Fiji must embrace that same dream. The Bula Boys have talent, passion, and history behind them — but we need a clear pathway, serious investment, and a national commitment to development from grassroots to elite level. Fiji’s rugby has developed well over the years, both men and women rugby. However, soccer needs help and support to reach the international stage. Soccer too, like rugby, can unite every community, every province, and every family in Fiji. If we pull together — schools, districts, coaches, administrators, and supporters — we can build a team worthy of the world stage. The dream is not impossible. It is worth chasing. DR SUSHIL K SHARMA Lautoka
Lessons from the World Cup!
Now that the World Cup is over and Spain achieved their second crown, the brass at Fiji Football Association must seriously start planning for the 2024 WC. 2030 may be a little too late. Strategically by 2030, our U16 team that is doing wonders in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship will be ready to take on the world if they are nurtured and monitored. The U16 team will face the Solomons U16 team in the semis. Fiji beat New Caledonia 2-0, Samoa 5-0 and hosts PNG 3-0. The side has so far scored 10 goals and conceded none. That speaks volumes of the efforts put in by Sunil Kumar and his coaching staff. This year’s WC saw a great performance from teams like Cabo Verde which have lesser population than Fiji. Cabo Verde held eventual winners, Spain, to a nil-all draw in their opening match. If FFA is serious about playing in the WC, then they must invest in football and focus on competitive football- the league and having a football tournament spread over at least three weeks so players have enough rest. FFA must assist districts like Levuka, Savusavu, Nalawa and Vatukoula to revive football there. Our players must play in the A-League to gain exposure and adapt to structured and competitive football. If Cabo Verde can appear in their first WC, we can also do the same. After all, our U17 team played in the U17 WC and our U23 side played at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. We need visionary leaders who can look beyond the Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants (BOG) and Inter-district competition (IDC). To the FFA brass, let’s make it happen! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Sugar scarcity
Reports of sugar shortages are emerging from several locations around Suva, particularly within the CBD. Given the ongoing “kach kach” surrounding an industry that was once the powerhouse of Fiji’s economy, it may not be long before these shortages spread to other towns and cities across the country. On the brighter side, could this be a blessing in disguise? Fiji continues to grapple with an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases, with diabetes-related amputations becoming an all-too-common occurrence. Perhaps reduced sugar consumption could encourage healthier eating habits and contribute, in some small way, to improving the nation’s health. Rather than adding spoonfuls of refined sugar to our tea or coffee, why not consider healthier alternatives such as raw honey, or simply reduce the amount of sweetener altogether? While fixing Fiji’s health crisis requires far more than limiting sugar, a conscious effort to cut back on excessive sugar intake is a step in the right direction. And no condensed milk please! Nishant Singh Lautoka
Imported sugar normal
The Government’s decision to allow businesses to import sugar 9FT 21/07/26) is not new, nor should it alarm consumers. Fiji has historically imported refined sugar whenever local supply was tight or when the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) needed to prioritise export contracts. In past seasons, FSC did not release raw Fiji sugar to the domestic market because it had to meet international obligations — and imported sugar filled the gap. What we are seeing now is simply a repeat of a long–standing practice. Imported sugar from Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand has been used for years to stabilise local supply and keep supermarket shelves stocked. With the 2026 crushing season underway, local production will soon improve, but for now, imports ensure continuity and prevent unnecessary shortages for households and businesses. DR SUSHIL K SHARMA Lautoka
Congrats Spain
The key golden global message could be to unite the world through sports. God bless us all. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Massive change
Where are we in terms of our 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign? Our hopes were significantly high at the Nations Cup because our Flying Fijian squad were laced with studded players. Sadly though, our performances against Wales, England and Scotland appeared below average and the defeats were humiliating. Our status as Tier 1 nation is under siege and England best demonstrated this with a score margin of more than 60 points. May these performances trigger a massive change in our preparations and attitude, bringing out the best in our Flying Fijians as the journey to the 2027 World Cup gets closer. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Right sizing
Recently there has been a lot of noise on the size of the civil service from Parliament and other stakeholders. I believe the current size are all established positions based upon the HR needs of each government department. When increasing the establishment, it undergoes a due diligence process before any approval is endorsed by the Ministry of Finance. Those making noise about the size of the civil service, especially our politicians, please leave them alone and do not politicise it. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
World Cup
If Fiji Football Association can have four tournaments every year, why can’t FIFA have the World Cup soccer every year? Sukha Singh Labasa
Final farewell
Trump and Infantino got booed when they got on the pitch for the prize-giving after the final. It was a fitting farewell for them because they did not do the right thing by their scandalous deal to uplift the red card ban on US striker Balogun. The booing showed they did not have the respect of a significant majority of the over 82,000 at the stadium. Yes, respect is earned. They did not earn it with their scandalous conduct. (‘Yes Donald Trump got booed at the World Cup final – Yahoo! Sports 20/7/26) Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Rugby and visits
It is about discipline
Further to my original letter, the Flying Fijians don’t need to learn how to play rugby. The world already knows they can. They’re missing something that’s called ID. Few teams can match Fiji’s breathtaking flair, fearless running and ability to produce moments of sheer brilliance. On their day, they can beat anyone. So why do those memorable victories too often slip through their fingers and frustrate the faithful? The answer isn’t talent. It’s discipline. Not the discipline that comes from a coach shouting from the sideline, but the kind that’s become so deeply ingrained it becomes almost instinctive. Championship teams don’t simply react under pressure. They respond through habit. They don’t give away needless penalties in crucial moments. They don’t allow emotion to override good judgement. They don’t beat up on themselves either. Discipline isn’t built on a Saturday afternoon. It’s forged on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until it becomes second nature. Every unnecessary penalty. Every high tackle. Every offside infringement. Every moment of ill-discipline should carry consequences at training that are greater than they would be on game day. When discipline becomes instinctive habit, composure becomes instinctive under pressure. Imagine combining Fiji’s natural flair with the relentless discipline of the world’s best rugby nations. That would be a frightening prospect. The Flying Fijians already possess the wings to soar. The challenge for the coaching staff is to ensure those wings are guided by a disciplined mind as much as a gifted body. Because talent might win matches. But ID, Instinctive Discipline wins championships. Colin Deoki Australia
Thrilling meets
I was a secondary school teacher in seven different schools for 30 years. Of these, I was a principal of three big schools: Ba Provincial Secondary School, Lautoka (10 years), Drasa Secondary School, Lautoka (3 years) and Bhawani Dayal Arya College, Nakasi (10 years). In the process I have produced thousands of students and worked with an uncountable number of colleagues. Every now and then my former students and work mates either call me on the phone, send an email or simply pop in for a chat. I have had many surprise visits from my former students. Mukesh Chand (Former headboy) who now lives and works in Canada (works for Immigration Canada) is a regular visitor; Simon Prasad (civil engineer) who lives in Brisbane, Australia recently paid me a courtesy call. We chatted about those beautiful years at Bhawani Dayal Arya College when he was a student. What a thrill it was to recall those memories. Last week Steven Chand and Akansha Chand (Both secondary school teachers and former students of mine from BDAC), who live in Sacramento, California, made a surprise visit with their one-year-old daughter. I was simply overwhelmed with this most unexpected visit. What a huge thrill and pleasure it was to see them after so long! Kartik Nand, a former student of mine, is a regular visitor who comes to see me often and provides me support in my retirement. He currently works as an accountant at the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Last week he came prepared to celebrate my 82nd birthday. This was a very emotional moment for me and for him as well. I am grateful to all my former students and colleagues who still maintain contact with me. I am thrilled and feel blessed. Thank you so much. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
