IDC, more about patriotism

Opinions / Analysis

THE Inter District Championship excitement is palpable.

It is much more than just a sport — for hundreds of people in the country and overseas, it is the ultimate cultural expression.

The biggest sporting event is anything but about district pride and patriotism for fans and players alike.

Fans

Fans who otherwise didn’t care about the sport will try just a bit too hard to make it like they care more than they do.

The proof of it is that hundreds have been taking to social media, Facebook to root for their district team.

Standard aside, the fans are about their district winning the championship.

But let’s not over interpret it, although it sounds like some already have.

Loyalty

The biggest patriotic act that most people engage in is cheering on their team during the IDC.

It reaches people who have no interest in football otherwise.

It reaches them at a profound level because it is their district and their people being represented in the eyes of the rest of the country.

Zulfikar Billy Ali wears his heart on his sleeve come IDC, he couldn’t agree more on pride and patriotism.

The die-hard Ba fan has seen the euphoria up-close during major tournaments, vouch that people simply want their districts to win at whatever cost.

"I can’t agree more as a fan it's all winning, football in Fiji is all about pride and patriotism,” he told Sportsone.

“People care less about the standard.

"As long as their team wins they're happy and have something to talk about.”

Simon Anand, a familiar face during tournaments says the IDC atmosphere is at a different level.

He has a fair sense of what the fans expect.

“Whatever it takes to win.”

“Fijian teams can’t emulate Spain, France and Brazil, we settle with what is on display.

“It is what it is,” said Simon.

Ex-rep weighs

Naveen Kumar, a former Lautoka and national team player said fans need to give football its due respect as it’s a world game.

It is gratifying to see fans support and create their own natural crescendo, it is also worth noting that a quality football only adds to the stigma of pride and patriotism.

He said people hadn’t changed their views about the sport when so much emphasis is being put on the training and the development of football in the country.

“There you have it, no praise for creativeness, set piece and the silky skills, and let’s not forget the usual hurls at the match officials, these are common.”

“I guess we just have to enjoy what’s on display.”

Footballers reward

The IDC extracts the best out of the players not that they don’t give their all in other tournaments but the IDC championship is by far the best in historical essence and the hardware is every footballers’ dream to lay their hands on.

It also draws a certain level of excitement as they invariably rally behind the fans to capture the attention of the nation.

The feeling is their career isn’t complete unless one has won the championship.

For what is the World Cup to the world of football, the Inter District Championship is to Fiji.

And the sport without fanfare isn’t worth a game.

Let’s cheer on.