This weekend, the Suva Bowling Club will be alive with action as the annual Raj Charan National Open Singles tournament unfolds over two days starting tomorrow.
The event holds significant importance as the winner will qualify to represent Fiji at next year’s World Champion of Champions.
The tournament, which has been a fixture in Fiji’s lawn bowls scene for over a decade, continues to honor the memory of Raj Charan, a key figure in the sport.
Around 40 bowlers are expected to compete, with the registration deadline set for Friday, October 11th, at 5 p.m.
Among the participants are last week’s Pineapple Cup champions Semesa Naiseruvati and Sainiana Walker, as well as the tournament’s defending champions, Munesh Kumar in the men’s division and Litia Tikoisuva in the ladies’ division.
Both will be eager to defend their titles and secure another shot at international competition.
Radhika Prasad, secretary of Bowls Fiji, shared, “This event is held in memory of the late Raj Charan who was a bowler and tower of strength behind Fiji Bowling Association.”
Charan, a former Secretary of the Fiji Bowling Association and manager of several national teams, played a pivotal role in the development of lawn bowls in Fiji.
His dedication to the sport has been carried forward by his family, who have sponsored the tournament since 2007.
“Bowling has always been a family sport for the Charan’s where they hold fond of the memories of him,” she said.
This weekend’s event not only serves as a qualifier for the World Champion of Champions but also honors the enduring contribution of Raj Charan to Fijian lawn bowls.
The competition will be fierce, with top bowlers vying for a place on the international stage and the chance to represent Fiji globally.
