After nearly a decade-long break, the Battle of the Netters 2025 competition has resumed at the National Netball Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva. This tournament marks a significant event in the Fijian netball calendar, drawing together netball associations from across the country. Yesterday, hundreds of players from 42 teams took to four courts for spirited competition, reviving a spirit of community and sportsmanship through sport.
Participating associations in this event include Suva, Tailevu, Naitasiri South, Fiji Secondary Schools, Nadi, Lautoka, Tavua, Vatukaloko, Nanukuloa, Labasa, Tailevu, and Savusavu. The tournament is seen as an opportunity for players to showcase their talents on a national platform. The competition runs over two days and features five grades across two divisions: under 15 women, under 18 women, open women, under 23 men, and open men.
Generous sponsorship from Newworld IGA and Goodman Fielder has been crucial in making the event possible. Their support allowed the organisers to cover the costs of using the netball centre and to facilitate transportation for teams from various parts of the country to the capital city, Suva. The tournament was inaugurated at the VIP Lounge of the Damodar City Aquatic Centre with representatives from both sponsors in attendance. Additional sponsorship support comes from other companies, including SportsWorld Fiji, Hot Bread Kitchen, CJ Patel, ANZ Bank, and MaiTV, highlighting a strong community commitment to reviving competitive netball in Fiji.
Alumeci Sachs, the competition lead, expressed gratitude towards the sponsors for their invaluable support of this two-day event. She also extended her appreciation to the district heads for their involvement and the Battle of the Netters organising committee for their hard work and dedication.
The tournament not only provides exposure for talented players but is also a testament to the collaborative spirit of Fijian communities coming together for the love of sport. It sets a positive precedent for the development of netball in Fiji, encouraging participation at all levels and supporting the growth of future stars in the sport. The revival of this competition signifies a renewed energy and hopeful trajectory for netball as an empowering and unifying force in Fiji.