Oman: Exciting Sports Meet Marks Sohar Mangaluru Balaga's 8th Anniversary
Report: Samskrati Gulvady Shenoy
Pics: Deepak Pereira
Oman, Dec 5: Mangaluru Balaga, Sohar recently conducted their annual get-together at Al Arabi Ground near Sallan Roundabout in Tareef, Sohar. This year the Balaga chose to organize sports events to bring together all the Mangaloreans living in and around Al Batinah region.
The programme began with a welcome note by Sudhir Kumar, vice-president of Mangaluru Balaga. He invited all the committee members and the guests to formally inaugurate the event by lighting the lamp.
Richard Alwyn D'Souza, president of Mangaluru Balaga welcomed the members in his presidential address, and thanked them for their continuous encouragement and cooperation to successfully conduct such events. “It’s been eight years since we started our Balaga, and I am happy to say that till date we have been able to successfully organize a variety of programs like cricket tournament, sports day, cultural days involving various interesting activities for our brothers and sisters”, he added.
He also thanked his predecessors, Frank Lobo and Narayan Kotian for their continuous efforts. He stressed the philosophy of the celebration being, “sports for entertainment, sports for friendship and sports for sharing”.
A variety of games were organized for children, ladies and gents alike. The children aged below six years were thrilled to play ball and bucket, and passing the parcel. Children aged between 6 and 12 years competed in one-legged race and balloon running race.
Ladies got a chance to hone their creative skills in the flower garland weaving competition. The participating women were seen putting the flowers together, some trying to recollect the art which needs precision.
Another interesting game of picking a dal (pulse) from a mixture of dals was a tricky one. Picking up the specified dal required nimbleness with good hand-and-mind coordination.
The committee members actively took turns in conducting the games, making timely announcements, and simultaneously keeping the audience occupied with witty commentary.
The adventurous men played the sack race and one-legged race. 'Bandiaata' (manually rolling a cycle tyre) was a hit among the gents who played this game very enthusiastically. This game used to be a favorite pass time for the young boys of South Kanara in the yesteryears, but has now been swayed over by electronic games.
The enthusiasm of the participants was so high that even the unexpected shower of rains did not dampen their spirits. The men enjoyed the game of ‘tug of war’ in the drizzle which brought nostalgic memories of the South Kanara monsoon. Lagori, another traditional game played with a ball and flat stones, also was liked by all.
The highlight of the day was the game of ‘Breaking the clay pot’ blindfolded. Many men and womencame forward to test their aim when blindfolded to break the clay pot tied high above on a pole.
Several spot prizes were given away during the day. Well-known singers of the Balaga came up with peppy Kannada numbers and kept the audience enthralled. A round of Tambola brought all the members under one roof vouching for different prizes.
All the participants were treated to a sumptuous lunch and evening snacks.
The day ended with prize distribution. Senior members of the committee gave away prizes to the winners of different games. Many individuals and private establishments sponsored the prizes. “I enjoyed a lot today, and I am happy I won a prize in the children’s race” exclaimed a jubilant child.
All the participants basked in a memorable day of fun and frolic which was well organized by the enthusiastic members and volunteers of the Balaga.