INDIA’S High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, has praised the Sangam movement for fostering unity, discipline, and community spirit through sports. At the Sangam Snooker jersey handover ceremony for the Nadi Snooker team, Mehta emphasized the event’s celebration of values such as youth, sport, and communal strength, which he described as essential to the spirit of Fiji and the Sangam community.
He acknowledged the efforts of the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event possible and noted that the upcoming Sangam World Cup, featuring six nations competing across soccer, snooker, and golf, showcases the global reach and unity of the Sangam movement. This tournament is especially significant as it marks Fiji’s hosting of the World Cup for the first time since 2014, amidst the celebrations leading to TISI Sangam’s centennial anniversary in April 2026.
Speaking specifically about snooker, Mehta highlighted its role in cultivating life skills among youth, stating that while major sports often attract more attention, smaller sports like snooker quietly develop discipline, precision, and focus. He described snooker as “a game of the mind as much as of skill,” pointing out that each shot requires careful calculation and emotional control.
Mehta also praised TISI Sangam’s crucial role in shaping Fiji’s cultural and educational identity, reflecting its history and contributions to preserving the South Indian culture within Fiji since its establishment in 1926. To the players of the Nadi Sangam Snooker team, he extended his best wishes ahead of the 2025 Sangam World Cup, reminding them that their jersey symbolizes the commitment and pride of their community.
Recognizing the significant milestone the Sangam World Cup represents, not only as a sporting event but as a celebration of cultural heritage and community ties among participants, this sporting festival is anticipated to strengthen the bonds within the Pacific community through competition and camaraderie. With the excitement building for both the tournament and the cultural exchange it fosters, there is great hope for a vibrant future in sports within Fiji, uniting people through shared passions and mutual respect.