Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Professor Biman Prasad, officially inaugurated the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) last night at the recently redeveloped Four R Stadium in Ba, celebrating Fiji’s 87 years of football tradition. During the opening ceremony, Professor Prasad emphasized that the FMF IDC transcends mere sport, embodying culture, rivalry, heartbreak, and joy, and uniting Fijians from all walks of life.
Commending FMF for its continued sponsorship, he referred to Ba as a “soccer fortress,” a historic ground where legends have emerged and dreams have flourished. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing sports development, particularly focusing on youth and women’s football, improving sports infrastructure, and integrating sports into educational and national-building efforts.
Announcing the completion of a FJ$13 million redevelopment of the stadium, he expressed pride in its transformation into a modern facility ready to host both domestic and international matches. This redevelopment is expected to boost local engagement and economic activity during the IDC, while also signifying the community’s pride in hosting such prestigious events.
As part of the ceremony, Professor Prasad officially declared the tournament open, encouraging players to display courage and integrity throughout the championship. He concluded his speech by affirming the sense of national unity fostered by the sport, saying, “When the whistle blows, we are one nation.”
This year’s championship, set against the backdrop of Ba’s upgraded stadium facilities, aims to continue the tradition of celebrating Fiji’s rich football culture, while also setting the stage for future community engagement and potential economic benefits. With promising developments in sports infrastructure and a reinvigorated local spirit, Ba is well on its way to solidifying its reputation as a thriving football hub in Fiji.