Report: Gladson D'Almeida
Pics: Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Oct 29: Champions are the ones who hold on to their nerves even when they are in hot waters and come out with flying colours despite having their backs against the walls most of the times. The ladies throwball team of Tulu Koota Qatar proved that they are the real champions as they defended their title and reigned supreme at the 10th Ladies Throwball Tournament organized by Mangalore Cricket Club at the Ideal Indian School here on Friday October 28 evening.
The finals between bitter rivals MCC and Tulu Koota Qatar went down to the wire as expected and the latter overcame a spirited challenge from the former before being crowned champions for the 5th time. The nail-biting finals would go down in the 10-year history of the tournament as one of the best and keenly-fought matches ever. The very fact that the finals that began around 9 pm local time went down up to 11.30 pm proves that it was by far the toughest match between two equally good teams that matched each other in every department.
But Tulu Koota led impressively by Shobha Shetty played great on big points and defended their title. Despite being defeated by MCC in the league stage and trailing by a set and playing against the host team that had immense fan following in the final, Tulu Koota played a champion’s game with the support of boisterous crowd that cheered, danced and rejoiced at each point. The final score 25-27, 27-25, 25-21 was the ample proof for the tough contest that decided the winner.
The annual tourney, one of the most popular events among the Mangalorean community in Qatar was inaugurated on Thursday October 27, 2011 evening after MCC energic president Richard D’Souza had welcomed the gathering. In his welcome speech, Richard specially mentioned the presence of Karavali Team and Al Maha club team that made a come back to the tourney after a sabbatical and Karnataka Sangha Qatar team that made its maiden entry into the fray. MCC sports secretary Fredrick D’Souza then introduced the five teams, that is, Al Maha Club, Karavali, Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ), Tulu Koota Qatar and the host MCC. The captains of the each team and the players then participated in the oath-taking ceremony before the inaugural match between Tulu Koota Qatar and KSQ.
The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Richard D'Souza, president of MCC and was attended by chief guest Dr Mohammad Aejaz, principle of Ideal Indian school, guests of honour Milan Arun, head of affiliation and consular services of ICC Qatar, Alfred Sequeira, managing director of Gulf International Services, Allen Currie, finance manager of Qatar Kentz and Franky Quadros, proprietor, Al Ameera Garage and Transport. MCC president Richard D’Souza too was present on the dais. Shalini Montheiro compered the programme.
The prize distribution ceremony was presided over by Alfred and Rita Sequeira. Richard D’Souza honoured Tulu Koota, the only team that has participated continuously for 10 years in the annual event. Five Tulu Koota players, Jyothi Ravi Shetty, Vani Prakash Rao, Milan Arun, Veena Vishwanath Rao and Vijaya Shetty who have taken part in the tournament for 10 years too were felicitated on the occasion.
Ivy Rosario, captain of the Karavali team is the most senior member who has been participating in the annual event for many years. Every year she looks young and energetic and her throws and smashes have challenged the new players of the tournament. She too as felicitated on the occasion for her great sporting spirit by the MCC. Jerry D’Mello then felicitated the each participating team and presented them with a memento. Samuel Raj, who was the referee for the match too was honoured by MCC.
Indira Kunder of MCC was crowned the 'Best Smasher' of the tournament while Vijaya Shetty of Tulu Koota bagged the prestigious ‘Best All-rounder’ award. Karavali Team led by Ivy Rosario stood third in the tournament.
The runners-up MCC Qatar led by Judy were presented with the trophy by Rita Sequeira while Alfred Sequeira presented the winners’ trophy to the champion side Tulu Koota Qatar.
The prize distribution ceremony was compered by MCC cultural secretary Reena Castelino.
Gulf International Enterprises, the official distributor of 3 Horses malt beverage, was the main sponsor while Qatar Kentz, Ramada Plaza and Al Ameeer Garage & Transport were the co-sponsors of the tournament. Mannai Holidays, Canara Jewellery, Almarai and Dandy were the support sponsors.