Daijiworld Media Network - Sharjah
(Pics Courtesy : Bellevision)
Sharjah, Nov 24: Young high-jump champion from Mangalore Sahana Kumari, who represented India during 2012 London Olympics, graced the Mayura Cup event organised by Karnataka Sangha Sharjah and indeed inspired budding sportspersons and sports lovers who gathered at Wanderars gound in large numbers.
Sahana Kumari was the chief guest for the day-long event that was held on Friday November 23.
In spirited contests, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha won over Bunts Dubai in ladies throwball in a well-fought match while Bunts Dubai defeated Konkans Dubai in men's throwball.
Seamens Friends snatched volleyball championship from Karaval Milan in a straight two-set finish and the New Mark defeated Rama Khathriya to lift the Kabaddi trophy.
Karnataka Sangha Sharjah had planned this day being the perfect one to hold an open tournament of throwball, volleyball and Kabaddi inviting all Kannadiga teams of the UAE at the Wonderers Club in Sharjah. Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, pioneer in initiating sports activities at Sharjah Wonderers Club grounds, is also celebrating the decennial year of its formation.
The inaugural ceremony began at 9.30 am with Ganesh Rai inviting all the teams (11 teams in volley ball and 9 teams in ladies throwball, 8 teams in men’s throwball and 7 teams in Kabaddi ), to line up in front of the dais. The president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah Satish Poojary escorted the chief guests Sahana Kumari, high jump queen who has come all the way from India, Walter Nandalike, Harish Sherigar and Mark Denis D’Souza to the dias.
The chief guest inaugurated the sports by lighting the lamp and called upon all the participants to play with a sportive spirit and maintain the dignity of sportsmanship. Vincent Fernandes and his Mogachi Lahran troupe sang a patriotic song. Two little girls charmed the gathering with a welcome dance.
Earlier Satish Poojary president of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha expressed his thoughts and thanked everyone who contributed to organize this mega event. Mark Denis D’Souza honoured chief guest Sahana Kumari for her outstanding performance in high jump event.While replying to the honour Sahana thanked all the association and individual who helped her financially and encourage her to perform better in the sports field.Roshan D’Souza admistered the oath taking ceremony. Also Gurudeva Srikshetha swamiji of Udiyoor and Amma mathananda graced the occasion and wished every success for the tournament.
The following teams participated in the league matches held in the morning session:
Ladies throwball teams:
Mangalore Konkans, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Kanarites Dubai, Mogaveers UAE, Bunts Dubai, Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, Konkans Dubai, SMMKC Shj and Pacific Stars.
Men's throwball teams:
Mangalore Konkans, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Kanarites Dubai, Mogaveers UAE, Bunts Dubai, Konkans Dubai, SMMKC Sharjah and Pacific Stars.
Volley Ball Teams:
Saifa Chilly Willy Friends, ULO Systems, Karaval Milan, Chilly Willy Youngsters, Seamens A & B, Coorg Friends, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Mogaveers UAE, Panemangalore and Ace Spikers
Kabaddi Teams :
Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Mogaveers UAE, Rama Kshatriya, New Mark A & B, Green Star Coorg and Billava Balaga.
All league matches were completed before lunch time and afternoon was reserved for the much-awaited semi-finals and finals between the best teams.
The afternoon vegetarian lunch buffet was arranged by Woodlands Restaurant, Sharjah. The snacks counters served delicious food throughout the day.
Prominent personalities including chief guest Sahana Kumari, Ibrahim and others were present for the concluding ceremony. Ganesh Rai, master of ceremony of the tournament thanked all the sponsors, well-wishers, media representatives, participating teams and the referees.
He also thanked members of organizing committee and all spectators without whose support the tournament would not have been possible. He also rendered special thanks to Sudhakar Alva and Noel D’Almeida for ably conducting the day-long tournament.
Sudhakar Alva, Satish Shetty, Jessy, Naveen, Dancy, Moideen and team, Ganapathi Rao and Lokanath who officiated the tournament in a excellent manner were felicitated.
Raffle ticket draw was held and prizes were distributed to the winners. Earlier, unsold tickets were auctioned and the some of the well wishers bought all the tickets.
At the concluding ceremony the trophies were distributed to winning teams and also individual trophies were given to all finalists by the sponsors and prominent personalities.
Winners:
Volleyball Final:
Seamens Friends A - Winners
Karaval Milan – Runner up
Throwball Final (Women):
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha - Winners
Bunts Dubai - Runner up
Throwball Final (Men):
Bunts Dubai - Winners
Konkans Dubai - Runner up
Kabaddi Final :
New Mark - Winners
Rama Kshathriya – Runner up
Volleyball individual trophies:
Best all rounder: Viegas (Seamens Friends)
Best Attacker: Jaison (Seamens Friends)
Best Setter: Rodney Moras (Karaval Milan)
Throwball individual trophies (Women):
Best All rounder: Smitha Chowta (Abu Dhabi KS)
Best Smasher: Violet Andrade (Abu Dhabi KS)
Best Receiver: Shruthi Shetty (Bunts Dubai)
Throwball individual trophies (Men):
Best All rounder: Anand Menezes (Konkans Dubai)
Best Smasher: Raviraj Shetty (Bunts Dubai)
Best Receiver: Ranjith Shetty (Bunts Dubai)
Kabaddi individual trophies:
Best all rounder: Raheem (New Mark)
Best Catcher: Hamid (New Mark)
Best Rider: Ganesh (Rama Kshathriya)
Karnataka Sangha Sharjah gave away glittering trophies to the winners and the runners-up. Winners were also awarded cash prizes of Dhs 1,000 each and runners-up Dhs 750 each. All the team members were individually honoured with medals .
Various other special games were conducted for children to keep them busy during the tournament. Special prizes were also given. The spectators and team members were presented gifts.
The members of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah put in commendable efforts behind the successful tournament under the leadership of Noel D’Almeida and Sudhakar Alva. The event concluded around 8.30 pm.