Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Oct 27: As part of the ongoing Pearl Jubilee celebrations, the KCO Throwball Tournament was successfully held on October 19, marking a day filled with sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and community spirit.
The opening ceremony commenced with the welcome address by the entertainment secretary, Jason Correa, who invited the dignitaries to the stage — president, Leo Rodrigues; general secretary, Sandya Vas; treasurer, Amitha Costa; sports secretary, Vivek Serrao; Pearl Jubilee convenor, Frankline D'Cunha, along with main sponsor, Michael D'Souza; platinum sponsors, Lavina Rodrigues, Moly Moras, Walter Almeida, and Telma Almeida; and gold sponsor Jerald Mascarenhas.
Correa also welcomed Jaichandran Nair, president of the Indian Social Centre (ISC), to join the dignitaries on stage.
The ceremony continued with a welcome address by Leo Rodrigues, followed by the felicitation of two long-standing throwball players and sports enthusiasts — Sebastian Pais and Cynthia D'Cunha, in recognition of their contribution to the sport and community.
The main sponsor, Michael D’Souza, and ISC president, Jaichandran Nair, addressed the gathering, commending KCO for promoting community sports and unity. A symbolic balloon release marked the official inauguration of the tournament, followed by the vote of thanks delivered by general secretary, Sandya Vas. The ceremony concluded with the national anthems of the UAE and India and the oath of sportsmanship led by Chrysil Nonis, officially declaring the tournament open.
Tournament highlights
A total of 12 teams (6 men’s and 6 women’s) participated in the KCO Pearl Jubilee Throwball Tournament, representing vibrant sportsmanship and camaraderie:
Participating teams
1. Coastal Friends – Ladies & Men
2. KCO Pearls – Ladies & Men
3. KCO Stars – Ladies
4. Game Changers – Ladies
5. Kudla Hawks – Men
6. Mangalore Strikers – Ladies & Men
7. Sri Sai Friends – Men
Awards and recognitions
The closing and prize distribution ceremony took place honouring the outstanding players and teams for their exceptional performance.
Individual awards – Ladies category
• Best striker: Jane Monis – Sponsored by Dolphy Vas
• Best defender: Sumangala Bhat – Sponsored by Frankline D'Cunha
• Best all-rounder: Roshni – Sponsored by Jerald Mascarenhas
Individual awards – Men’s category
• Best striker: Stevan – Sponsored by Lavina Rodrigues
• Best defender: Hazem – Sponsored by Sandya Vas
• Best all-rounder: Prameeth – Sponsored by Amitha Costa
Team results
Women’s category
• Champions: Mangalore Strikers – Sponsored by Leo Rodrigues
• 1st runner-up: KCO Abu Dhabi – Sponsored by Michael D’Souza
• 2nd runner-up: Konkans Dubai – Sponsored by Sebastian Pais
Men’s category
• Champions: Coastal Friends UAE – Sponsored by Leo Rodrigues
• 1st runner-up: Kudla Hawks – Sponsored by Moly Moras
• 2nd runner-up: Konkans Dubai – Sponsored by Vivek Serrao
The day concluded on a high note with participants and supporters celebrating teamwork, talent, and the true spirit of KCO’s Pearl Jubilee. The event served as a testament to KCO’s enduring legacy in fostering community bonding through sports and cultural engagement.