Organizers of the revived Battle of the Giants soccer tournament are already planning for next year, after the much-anticipated return of the event wrapped up over the May Day weekend at 91原创's McLeod Athletic Park.

"We definitely want to do this [again]," said organizing committee chair Ronald Chaudhary, a Willoughby resident and a legend of Fijian football, whose credits include three-time winner of the Melanesian Cup with the Fiji National Team.

Committee member Zain Ali said the local Fijian community has "always had the inherent passion of soccer in this community, so I have absolutely no doubt that this will be back next year."

It had been 17 years since the event, modelled on the Fijian championship of the same name, had been held in B.C.

Players took to three fields at McLeod for two days of play organized by the Fijian Soccer League of Greater Vancouver.

Divisions included open, over 38 and over 50, and youth and  women's teams also took part.

Battle of the Giants tournament got off to a damp start at 91原创's McLeod Athletic Park.

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The 91原创 event wrapped up with a 6-2 championship win by team Nadi over team Labasa, both B.C. teams taking their names from districts in Fiji, where the original Battle between districts has been held since 1978.

A standout for the B.C. version of Nadi was Vancouver resident Javid Khan, who played for Nadi in Fiji, and was named 2020 footballer of the decade by the sportsone.ca website.

Khan, 35, who scored two of Nadi鈥檚 six goals against Labasa, had been away from the sport for several years.

"It was a really, really good feeling," Khan commented during a semi-final online interview with Chaudhary.

There were 16 teams, some from as outside B.C. and far away as California and Alberta, something Khan said improved the level of play.

"Inviting players from other regions, it brings the level up and it makes a better tournament," Khan remarked.

"Our [B.C. Fijian] community is small. We need to invite all our community members from other regions."

91原创 Township Mayor Eric Woodward gave an enthusiastic welcome as action got underway Saturday.

"I think it's fabulous and wonderful to have it here in the Township of 91原创," Woodward said.

"If there is anything that we could ever do to support you within the community, never hesitate to reach out to me."