Defending champions Nasea Sanatan through to knockout stage unbeaten
Last year, Nasea Sanatan hoisted the tournament title after beating Tabucola 4-3 on penalty shootouts.
Tuesday 28 July 2026 | 09:00
Defending champions of the Labasa Sanatan Tournament, Nasea Sanatan with Roy Krishna (third from the right) at Subrail Park in Labasa on July 25, 2026.
Photo: Shratika Naidu
Defending champions Nasea Sanatan are determined to remain unbeaten as they chase back-to-back titles at the CK Mega Bargain Labasa Sanatan Tournament.
The 11-day tournament kicked off last Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, with Nasea securing a place in the knockout stages after defeating Dreketi Sanatan 4-0 before drawing 0-0 with Kishkinda Mariamma Sanatan.
Last year, Nasea Sanatan won the title after defeating Tabucola 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
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Team director Kamlesh Chand said the side, which also won the tournament in 2022, was determined to defend its crown.
"We have a mixture of experienced players from the Labasa and Nasinu teams. We also have some players from Dreketi, a senior division team, along with our own dedicated boys from the Nasea area," Mr Chand said.
"We've spent a lot of time preparing because this tournament is held only once a year."
Mr Chand said the changing weather had taken time for players to adjust to, but the team remained confident of producing a strong performance and retaining the title.
Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha Fiji Labasa Sanatan Sabha president and Labasa Sanatan Tournament chairperson Avitesh Deo said 37 teams and seven veterans teams were competing in this year's tournament.
Fiji Football Association vice-president Naziah Ali was among the chief guests at the tournament's official opening on Saturday.
Her husband, Roy Krishna, is representing his home team, Emily Sanatan, as a way of giving back to the community where his football journey began.
The tournament concludes on Sunday.
