Doha: KSQ cricket tourney begins with colourful opening ceremony
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Mar 18: Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) achieved another milestone on Sunday March 17 when its fourth floodlit cricket tournament was kicked off at 7 pm. All the participating teams were present during the opening ceremony at the old campus of Ideal Indian School
Anil Nautiyal, first secretary of Embassy of India was the chief guest for the evening. The cynosure of all eyes was Olympic bronze medalist and car rally champion Naseer Salih Al Attiyah who was the guest of honour. Sultan Ahmed Al Suwadi, ex-president of motor sports was a special invitee.
Main sponsor Chidanand of M Pallonji Qatar, associate sponsors Al Muftah Contracting, ALMA, HBK, Qatar Design Consortium and Castle Construction were present on the dais.
The ladies wing of KSQ honoured the guests by presenting bouquets. The guests handed over mementoes to the captains of all the participating teams.
Anil Nautial, first secretary of Embassy of India in his speech congratulated KSQ and participating teams. Guest of honour Naseer Salih Al Attiyah was honoured with shawl, memento and garland by KSQ president and committee members. Naseer Salih Al Attiyah in his speech thanked KSQ for inviting and for honoring him.
KSQ president V S Mannangi welcomed the gathering and thanked all who made it possible to organize such grand tournament and also praised Chidanand Naik for his support from four consecutive years consecutive being a main sponsor.
Milan Arun introduced guest of honour Naseer Salih Al Attiyah and read out his achievements in the arena of sports.
Naseer Salih Al Attiyah released the brochure containing full details of the tournament and inaugurated the event.
Vice-president of KSQ Dr Sanjay conducted the torch lighting and oath-taking ceremony, while Arun Kumar announced the fixtures of the tournament. Twelve teams are participating in this tournament.
A wonderful and grand march past was held thereafter, led by the tournament coordinator and vice president of KSQ Dr Sanjay, all committee member, captains and guests released balloons into the sky.
The progamme was compered by the dynamic Arun Kumar, while energetic general secretary Deepak Shetty proposed vote of thanks. He thanked all the sponsors and those who extended their support to the tournament, apart from the media for covering the event.
The first match of the tournament was played between Tulu Koota and New Design. Batting first, Tulu Koota scored 95 runs in the allotted 12 overs. In reply, New Design reached the target in 10 overs. The second match was played between QDC and RAWAL County.
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Joshi will be the chief guest at the finals of the annual Karnataka Sangha Qatar Invitational Cricket Tournament to be held on March 28. The winners will be awarded trophies during the closing ceremony.
Chidanand Naik of M Pallonji Qatar is the main sponsor of the tournament.
About Sunil Joshi
Sunil Joshi has played 15 tests for India and claimed 41 wickets and scored 352 runs in 19 innings. He has also played 69 ODIs and scored 584 runs and claimed 69 wickets. His best figure in ODI (10-6-6-5) was against South Africa in 1999 LG Cup. Joshi is currently the coach of the Hyderbad cricket team.