Sanatan sports convention draws big numbers

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The Navua Sanatan football side at a previous tournament. Picture: SUPPLIED

FIJI’S largest Sanatan sporting event is set to break new ground this month, with the 63rd National Sanatan Convention introducing a historic drug-testing initiative alongside its major sports competitions.

The four-day event, running from April 18-21 in Lautoka, will bring together thousands of Sanatan followers in a celebration of sports and culture.

Hosted by the Sanatan Dharam Prathinidi Sabha of Fiji, Sports Wing, the tournament will feature soccer, netball, golf, volleyball and snooker, with soccer as the main attraction.

There will be 30 teams competing in the open grade soccer, 10 teams in the Masters grade, 13 teams in the Open grade netball and eight teams in the Masters grade.

Golf will be held at the Denarau Golf Club and soccer matches will be played at Central college, replacing Natabua college as the venue.

“This tournament is more than just competition, it’s a reunion for our community,” said Sanatan Fiji Sports president Sanjay Ram.

“For the first time, we are introducing drug testing in our soccer tournament, ensuring a fair and clean competition with the support of doctors and police officers.”

Cultural festivities will begin on April 17 at the Girmit Centre.

Fans can expect a festival-like atmosphere with food stalls and entertainment, drawing teams and supporters from across Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.