Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 30: The ICYM Bondel unit successfully organized the 'Smash It Up' Badminton League 2K25 on September 28 at Lourdes Central School, Bejai. The event was exclusively conducted for parishioners of Bondel church, with the objective of promoting youth engagement, physical fitness, and parish-level fellowship through competitive sport. A total of 48 players took part in the tournament, representing four spirited teams: Shuttle Blockers, Church Friends Bondel, Net Pulse, and Bondel Challengers.
The tournament was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Fr JB Saldanha, parish priest of Bejai Church, who delivered the opening address and invoked blessings upon all participants. The event was further dignified by the presence of Fr Lawrence Cutinha, director of ICYM Bondel unit; Fr Peter Gonzalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Fr Ivan Corderio and Fr Pramod Crasta, assistant managers of Codialbail Press; John D'Silva, president of the parish pastoral council; and Zeena Cornellio, animator of ICYM Bondel unit. The welcome speech was delivered by Rohan D’Souza, president of ICYM Bondel unit, who warmly greeted the dignitaries, participants, and guests, and highlighted the purpose and spirit of the event.
The matches were officiated by a qualified panel comprising Fr Clany D'Souza, rector of Gladsom Home Minor Seminary, along with Br Ashton D'Souza, Br Leroy D'Cunha, Br Prince Tellis, and Br Austin D'Souza. Their impartial judgment and adherence to fair play standards ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament. Also present were the ICYM City deanery president and core committee members, whose participation reinforced the collaborative spirit of ICYM across units and highlighted the strength of youth leadership within the deanery.
The league witnessed high levels of enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Shuttle Blockers, led bySunitha D’Souza, emerged as the winners of the Smash It Up Badminton League 2K25, while Church Friends Bondel, led by Manish Mascarenhas, secured the runners-up position. All category winners were felicitated, and their achievements were celebrated with great joy and encouragement.
Special appreciation was extended to the team owners for their valuable contributions: Sunitha D’Souza (Shuttle Blockers), Stephen D’Silva (Net Pulse), Francis Mendonca (Bondel Challengers), and Manish Mascarenhas (Church Friends Bondel). A heartfelt mention was made of Stephen D’Silva for generously sponsoring medals for the players of the match, adding a touch of excellence and recognition to the tournament.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the secretary of the ICYM Bondel unit Jeslin Ninora, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the organizing team, the support of dignitaries, and the enthusiastic participation of all players.
The 'Smash It Up' Badminton League 2K25 was a resounding success, reflecting the vibrancy, discipline, and leadership potential of the youth of Bondel parish. The ICYM Bondel unit remains committed to organizing such initiatives that contribute to the holistic development of young individuals within the parish community.