UAE: Throwball Tourney - Bunts Dubai Women, Men Truimph
Report: Shodhan Prasad
Pics by Chetan D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 10: Bunts Biennial Throw Ball tournament concluded at the Wanderers Sports Club – Sharjah, UAE on Friday December 9 with Bunts Dubai men's and women's teams lifting the Cups in their respective categories. The runners-up spots went to Mangalore Konkans women's team and Kanarites men's team, both of whom gave tough fight in the finals.
Nancy of Mangalore Konkans was chosen as the 'Best Smasher' while Akshata Shetty from Bunts Dubai was chosen the 'Best Defender' and Latha Bhandary of Bunts Dubai the 'Best All Rounder'.
There was also a friendly match between Abu Dhabi Junior Group and Dubai Junior Group which was interesting to watch.
The programme started around 8 am with the lighting of the lamp by Premnath Shetty, Bhagya Premnath Shetty and Gunsheel Shetty, welcome speech by Satish Shetty, followed by inauguration of the tournament with the releasing of baloons. After a prayer, MCs Sampath Shetty and Reshma Divesh Alva took over the charge.
Sudhakar Alva who was the tournament referee read out the rules followed by oath taking conducted by Sharika Alva. Soon the teams were introduced which comprised Bunts Dubai, Jashan Dubai, Mangalore Konkans, Konkans Dubai, United Friends, Kanarites Dubai, Specific Stars and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
The weather was pleasant and the ground was fine for the players who were all fit and who played with enthusiasm. The professionally arranged tournament went on simultaneously in three different courts. Large crowds cheered their teams and live commentary by Sarvotham Shetty, Sampath Shetty and Vinod Shetty added to the vibrant atmosphere.
There were stalls serving water, beverages and snacks by Divesh Alva of Woodlands Restaurant. Lunch was hosted by Arab Udupi Restaurant with delicious chicken sukka, kadle manoli, payasa etc., savoured by all those who assembled at the Wanderers stadium.
The tournament went on till 6 pm, after which the closing ceremony was held. All the sponsors of the event were felicitated with mementos. The tournament referees, linemen and scorers were also honoured with gifts. A Special Recognition Award was presented to Latha Santosh Bhandari of Bunts Dubai for her contribution to throw ball from the age of 13, and as a farewell, as she is leaving to Canada for further studies. She was felicitated with a citation, memento, flowers and fruits.
The junior teams were honoured with certificates for their participation. Soon after, Raffle draw was conducted by Kiran Shetty and prizes were distributed.
The tournament winners, runners-up, best smasher, best defender and best all rounder prizes were presented by the main sponsors of the event. Along with trophies all the winners were provided with gift hampers from Sapil, VLCC, Himalaya, Jade Distribution and Chilly Willy Trading.
Tournament referee Sudhakar Alva along with referees Sudhakar Shetty, Denzil Fernandes, Satish Shetty and Shashi Shetty did a brilliant job throughout the tournament.
Team manager of Bunts Dubai, Raviraj Shetty proposed the vote of thanks. The organizing committee of Bunts Throw Ball Dubai, UAE comprising of Ravindranth Shetty, Raviraj Shetty, Sarvotham Shetty, Satish Shetty, Shashidhar Alva, Shiva Shetty, Uday Shetty and Vasu Shetty, as promised conducted a well-organized tournament.