There are bigger plans to host the 76th Northern Sangam TIV football competition next year with intention to expand from 15 to 18 teams following this year’s success.

Tournament and Sports Wing chairperson, Satendra Goundan, said this year’s tournament was the best organised.

He confirmed they were looking at shifting the tournament dates to early August, next year and teams are urged to prepare early.

Goundan said they supported the interim chairperson of  Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI) Fiji, Praveen Kumar Bala’s decision to consider releasing $15,000 from the national body.

This fund would be used for to the team’s preparation, increase in cash money prize and further strengthening the overall organising of the tournament.

Goundan spoke highly of the organisation as there were no disciplinary issues or protests after the matches.

“We did not have any major injury to players and this was a positive thing as we always stress player welfare and good sportsmanship,” he reiterated.

Firewalking Namoli and Siberia TIV branch will defend their title next year after winning the tournament for the first time last month.

Newcomers, Wavuwavu TIV played a stellar tournament; organisers are committed in attracting more teams to join next year.

He thanked their sponsors inluding Northern tour management Director, Deven Goundar and Pinto Industries Limited as well as co-sponsors.

He said they are expected to increase the tournament days from four to five as they would have to cater for additional games.

Vunika deferred underdogs tag 

The Vunika TIV side capped off a great four day by reaching the grand final against all odds ousting defending champions, Taveuni, on penalty kicks in the first semi-final clash.

Coach Shalendra Swami was satisfied with his players’ performance considering the inexperience on the side.

“We only had three boys experienced from the 2018 tournament, so our young boys played well to reach so far,” he reiterated.

Prior to the grand final, the side was hit with two major injuries to star strikers, Anish Sami (hamstring) –semi-final and Divesh Naicker (leg fracture) last pool match.

Sami added they would rebuild and ensure the other players playing for other teams returned to help the team win the title next year.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj