Muscat: First of its Kind 'Kudla Cup 2012' Gets Good Response
Report: Clarence Pinto
Pics: Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Jan 28: For the first time in history, all the communities of coastal Karnataka’s Konkan Region residing in Oman came under one umbrella and one banner to exhibit their unique unity in varied and diversified identities. Kudla Cup 2012 - the first of its kind cricket tournament in Oman was organized by Kudla Friends, Muscat, attracting almost all the communities of the coastal Karnataka region to the venue - GPDCO Cricket Ground, Ghobra on Friday January 27.
As one of the organizers and pillar of the Mangalorean community in Oman, Suraj Rebello said, "It is a great and joyful experience for all of us that all the Mangalorean communities irrespective of their identity, religion and language participated in this unique competition, which is first of its kind tournament in Muscat. All the participants were united to have a stronger and one community of the coastal Karnataka region. I am grateful for the great support offered by all the members of the communities."
The powers behind this successful tournament and members of the organizing committee were Suraj Rebello, Srikanth Shetty and Yuvaraj Salian, all of them great sports personalities and community activists. The organizing committee has put in a lot of effort with planning to present a great tournament for the participating teams and also, entertainment to the visiting spectators.
The competition was inaugurated at 8 am by Donald Pinto, past president of the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP – Sts Peter and Paul Church – Ruwi), ebullient toastmaster, leading mentor of various training seminars and sports personality of the yester years. Umesh Pai, Gangadar Poojary and Clarence Pinto, three eminent personalities of the Mangalorean community were also present during the inaugural function. Suraj Rebello was the anchor of the function. Stanley Fernandes, Ashok Suvarna and Dr C K Anchan, three prominent community leaders of the various Mangalorean communities were also felicitated during the tournament.
The eight teams that participated along with their captains were
Oman Billawas - Sukumar Anchan
The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP – Sts Peter and Paul Church – Ruwi) - Suresh Lasrado
South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association - Shakur
Beary’s - Iqbal
Muscat Mogaveeras - Ashith
Bunts XI - Damodhar Shetty
Konkanas XI - Umesh Pai
Viswakarma XI (Achary) - Praveen
The participating teams were divided in two different groups through draw of lots, the match fixtures were drawn and matches were held at GPDCO Cricket Ground, Ghobra and Bowshar Ground, Al Khuwair. The semi-final matches were held between South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association and Oman Billawas; and Bunts XI and Muscat Mogaveers. The final match between South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association and Bunts XI was really interesting and a great game of cricket was played. On a nail biting finish South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association won the Kudla Cup.
Prize distribution ceremony will be held on Friday February 3 at Muscat Sports Club Grounds, Al Wadi Al Kabir.
The next lot of tournaments like volleyball for men, throwball for women, tug-of-war for men and women, with children games and spot prizes will be held at Muscat Sports Club grounds, Al Wadi Al Kabir on February 3.