Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary/Chandrashekar
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/TP)
Udupi, Jan 12: Team Elevation, Pangla, and Fernandes Fighters emerged winners in the volleyball and throwball tournaments respectively, organised as part of Milagres Utsav 2026. The ‘Milagres Tourney 2025–26’, featuring volleyball and throwball events, was organised with the support of annual feast phirjenth Wilson and Leena Fernandes of the Fernandes Group and witnessed an enthusiastic response marked by strong team spirit.
The tournament was held on Sunday, January 11, at the Milagres College Grounds.
In the volleyball category, Bingri Boys, Mangaluru finished runners-up, while Milagres Kallianpur secured the second runners-up position. In throwball, Konkan Stars, Mangaluru finished as runners-up, with Shirva emerging as second runners-up.
Individual honours in volleyball were awarded to Dixon of Bingri Boys, Mangaluru as Best All-Rounder, Prinson as Best Setter, and Nikhil as Best Attacker. In the throwball category, Avita was adjudged Best All-Rounder, Nisha Best Attacker, and Rosvita Best Receiver.
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, rector of Milagres Cathedral, was the chief guest at the valedictory ceremony and distributed prizes along with Wilson Fernandes and Fr Pradeep Cardoza, assistant parish priest. Addressing the gathering, Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves said the event marked a promising beginning for Milagres Utsav and congratulated Wilson and Leena Fernandes for their efforts in organising the tournament.
Special honours were accorded to Vinola D’Cunha and Rosvita Dsa, both national-level players, in recognition of their sporting achievements.
The organisers also appreciated the dedicated service of officials and volunteers Anand, Sharath, Santhosh Shetty, Ashok, Nitin, Kausalya, Khushi, Aman, Steevan, Sachin, Bharath, Prafful, Vikhyath, Sanketh, Adarsh, and Vinay, whose support ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament.
The inaugural event was attended by several dignitaries. Leena Fernandes, wife of Wilson Fernandes, inaugurated the tournament. Fr Pradeep Cardoza, assistant parish priest of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Pradeep Cardoza said Wilson Fernandes had organised the event out of deep affection for his native parish. He recalled that Wilson had planned to serve as phirjenth for the previous year’s annual feast, which could not be held due to the untimely demise of parish priest Fr Valerian Mendonca. Continuing the same spirit, Wilson has taken up the responsibility again this year. He added that the sports event would foster unity and sportsmanship among parishioners. He noted that several teams from the Udupi and Mangaluru dioceses had registered for both events and wished all participants success.
Eugene Rebello, secretary of the parish pastoral committee, also extended his best wishes.
The inaugural function was graced by Prema Lewis, convener of 20 commissions, and Elias.
Steevan Colaco compered the programme, while Wilson Fernandes welcomed the gathering.
Prior to the inauguration, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held as part of the preparations for the Milagres Cathedral Annual Feast. Notably, Milagres Utsav is being organised for the first time with the sponsorship of phirjenth Wilson and Leena Fernandes.
The volleyball and throwball tournaments marked the Inter-Parish Sports Meet conducted as part of Milagres Utsav 2026, a multi-day festival blending sports, spirituality, culture, and social harmony throughout January. The sports meet, organised exclusively for members of the Roman Catholic community, witnessed participation from teams representing the Udupi and Mangaluru dioceses.
The tournament was conducted in a league format with the objective of encouraging sportsmanship, discipline, and healthy competition among parish members.
As part of Milagres Utsav 2026, several other events are scheduled, including an Inter-Parish Tug-of-War Competition, an Inter-Parish Choir Singing Competition on January 16 at the Milagres Tricentenary Hall, Confraternity Sunday on January 18, and Souharda Koota (Fellowship Meet) on January 19 at the Milagres Cathedral Grounds.
The grand conclusion of Milagres Utsav 2026 will be held on January 21, featuring the “289th Wilfy Night” from 6 pm onwards at the Milagres Cathedral Grounds, Kallianpur.