Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Professor Biman Prasad, officially opened the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) last night at the newly redeveloped Four R Stadium in Ba, marking a celebration of Fiji’s 87 years of football history. During the inauguration ceremony, Professor Prasad highlighted that the FMF IDC represents more than just a sporting event; it embodies the culture, rivalry, heartbreak, and joy shared by fans, uniting Fijians from all backgrounds.
He praised FMF for its ongoing sponsorship and hailed Ba as a “soccer fortress,” a historic venue where numerous football legends have been born and dreams fulfilled. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing sports development, focusing on youth and women’s football, enhancing sports infrastructure, and integrating sports into educational and national development initiatives.
In his address, Professor Prasad announced the completion of a FJ$13 million redevelopment of the stadium, expressing pride in its transformation into a modern facility that is poised to host both domestic and international matches. This renovation is anticipated to not only increase local engagement but also stimulate economic activity during the IDC, symbolizing the community’s pride in hosting such significant events.
At the ceremony, Professor Prasad formally declared the tournament open and urged players to exhibit courage and integrity throughout their matches. He closed his speech by emphasizing the national unity that football fosters, stating, “When the whistle blows, we are one nation.”
With this year’s championship taking place amid the enhanced facilities of Ba’s stadium, the event is set to honor Fiji’s rich football culture while paving the way for increased community involvement and potential economic advantages. The promising advancements in sports infrastructure and a revitalized local spirit position Ba to further establish itself as a vibrant football hub in Fiji.