Media Release
Dubai (UAE), Nov 18: Konkan Yuva, the dynamic youth wing of the Konkani community of St Mary’s Catholic Church successfully hosted the first-ever Yuva Olympics 2025 on Sunday, November 9, at Springdales School, Al Quoz, creating a historic milestone for the Konkani Catholic community in the UAE.
This landmark event brought together over 600 athletes from 18 teams, accompanied by more than 2,500 enthusiastic spectators who gathered to witness a day of spirited competition, unity, and cultural pride.
Opening ceremony and flag hoisting
The opening ceremony began with a grand procession led by Ashwin Pinto, president of Konkan Yuva, joined by guests, past presidents, executive members, and the UAE’s only Konkani Brass Band, Konkan Thaaram. Teams marched impressively in a well-coordinated march past which was followed by a heartfelt prayer song delivered by the Konkan Yuva Choir team, before the ceremonial flag hoisting.
The Konkan Yuva flag was raised by Ullas Fernandes, the first president of Konkan Yuva; the Yuva Olympics flag by chief guest Aldrin Lewis, general manager of Globelink West Star Shipping LLC; and the UAE flag by Fr Jerome Monteiro, parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Pernal.
President Ashwin Pinto welcomed all dignitaries, teams, and spectators, marking the start of a memorable sporting celebration. Fr Victor Fernandes OFM Cap, spiritual director, congratulated Konkan Yuva for pioneering the first athletic meet dedicated to the Konkani community in the UAE.
Olympic torch ceremony honours top athletes
The Olympic torch ceremony showcased five exceptional young athletes, lighting the ceremonial cauldron to officially commence the games:
? Keith Nathan Saldanha: A National-level Incline Roller Skating champion and CBSE cluster basketball U14 player.
? Nathan Mark Gomes: Bronze Medalist at the UAE School Games U15 Badminton 2024 and winner of eight badminton titles.
? Neville Glen Castelino: Gold medalist at the CBSE National Athletic meet (4x100m) and multiple-time UAE cluster champion.
? Shanelle Caillope D’Souza: Ranked first in Middle East Artistic Gymnastics and fifth at the 2025 Junior World Tennis Series.
? Melena Lobo: A multi-year champion with 12 medals in athletics and swimming.
The ceremony continued with the unveiling of the Yuva Olympics Trophy. Chief guest Aldrin Lewis then took the stage to officially declare the games open. With the competitions about to begin, the sports secretary Prajwal Lopes administered the athlete’s oath to all participants, concluding the formal ceremony segment, which was then followed by a vote of thanks from general secretary Sherul Nazareth.
The events carried on for a full day, featuring participants across multiple age categories: 18–28 years, 29–38 years, and 39 years and above. The intense schedule included a full array of track and field sports: 1500m race, 800m race, 400m race, 100m race, 200m race, the fast-paced 4 x 100m relay, long jump, and shot put. Beyond the track, the competition also featured the CrossFit obstacle challenge and the team strength contest, Tug of War.
Dignitaries and support
Several dignitaries and sponsors graced the inaugural function, highlighting wide community support. Guests included Kevin Fernandes and Elveera Fernandes of Mika Technical Services LLC; Dinesh Correa of Falcon Trackers; James and Sobha Mendonca of Middle East Factory LLC and Reliable Industries LLC; Ronald Martis of Blue Royal Group; Dainy D'Souza of Konkan Tharan Brass Band; Ivan Fernandes of KEL; Manoj Vas and Veena Veigas of Resort Supplies General Trading LLC; Avith Dsouza of GKV Associates; Dayan Dsouza Mukamar of Daiji Dubai; and Johnson Rebeiro of Transformation Exhibition and Events Management.
Konkan Yuva’s executive committee members present included Denzil Moras, Sherul Nazareth, Bryan Lobo, Sunny Fernandes, Prajwal Lopes, Jovita Rebello, Teena D'Souza, Sushmitha Sequeira, Elvita D’Souza, Viyol Crasto, and Gwynfor Pereira.
The day’s ceremonies were hosted by MC Vernon D’Souza and MC Roshan D’Silva, with musical entertainment provided by DJ Norman and DJ Avil.
Competition results and community recognition
Competitions continued throughout the day, culminating in a lively closing ceremony and prize distribution. Twigs Super Strikers emerged as the overall champions, followed by Team Planet Air as first runners up and Team Flyway United as second runners up.
Referees for the track and field events included Amcil Fernandes, Revathy Leena, Adithya Rao, Neethu Abraham, Vijay Herekar, and Ziyad, while CrossFit challenges were conducted under the guidance of coaches Rahul, Raja, Grizel, and Abin.
Special honours were presented to Sobha Mendonca, managing director of Middle East Factory LLC, and Joseph Mathias, managing director of Merit Freight Systems LLC and coordinator of SMMC, in recognition of their dedicated service to the Konkani community.
Konkan Yuva extended heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors, and well-wishers for their support, with special appreciation to the Dubai Ambulance Corporation Services for ensuring safety throughout the event.
The celebration concluded with energetic DJ performances and traditional Baila dancing, adding a vibrant cultural finale to the landmark sporting day.
Through the success of the Yuva Olympics 2025, Konkan Yuva reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Konkani culture, unity, and youth empowerment under its enduring message: “Together we play, Together we rise.”
About Konkan Yuva
Konkan Yuva is the dynamic youth wing of the Konkani community of St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai, dedicated to preserving and promoting Konkani language, culture, and values through various social and cultural initiatives.