UAE: Exciting finish to Bunts Dubai throwball, volleyball tourneys
by Bellevision
Dubai, Dec 7: In a most exciting and electrifying finale to the throwball and volleyball tournaments organized by Bunts Dubai, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha ladies won the throwball championship beating Konkans Dubai, and Bunts Dubai once again proved to be supreme in their third encounter with Konkans Dubai in the men's throwball tourney.
The final volleyball match between Saifa Chilly Willy and Shannon Star, watched by the crowd accompanied with a lively commentary by Vinod, kept the spectators on their toes. After several nail-biting moments, Shanan Stars defeated Saifa Chilly Willy in the 3rd set with 26-24 in one of the most exciting and closely contested matches.
In the morning the Bunts Throwball & Volley Ball Tournament was inaugurated by the sponsors by releasing balloons into the air. All the sponsors on the dais, namely Pravin Shetty, Shekar Shetty, Chetan Shetty, Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Sudhakar Alva, Premnath Shetty, Gunasheel Shetty, Mohamed and Faisal were honoured with bouquets.
A short march-past by team captains, managers, and volunteers was held, carrying the flags of Bunts Dubai, India national flag and the UAE national flag.
Both the UAE and Indian national anthems were sung and a short prayer was rendered by little children invoking God’s blessings on the tournament. Satish Shetty welcomed the players, sponsors and the audience. He said this was the 4th throwball tourney by Bunts since the year 2007. The earlier matches were held in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
Outstanding throwball players who have played since the beginning, were honoured by Bunts Dubai, namely Surya G Rao (Mogaveera) and Annette Menezes (KCO). Community leader Ganesh Rai read the citations. Sarvotham Shetty and his wife Usha Shetty were also honoured for their dedication to the tournament all through. They were all honoured with traditional shawls, fruit baskets, bouquets and citations.
Prior to the matches the players took an oath, led by Bunts throwball captain.
The ladies throwball inaugural match was held between Konkans Dubai and Bunts Dubai.
The following Teams participated in the day-long tournament:
Ladies throwball teams: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, K C O - Abu Dhabi, Bunts Dubai, Mogaveers UAE, Konkans Dubai, SMMKC Sharjah, Mangalore Konkans, Dubai, Chilly Willy and Kanarites Dubai.
Gents throwball teams: SMMKC Sharjah, K C O - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha Bunts Dubai , Mogaveers UAE, Konkans Dubai, Mangalore Konkans, Chilly Willy and Kanarites, Dubai
Volleyball teams: Shanan Stars, Saifa Chilly Willy, St. Lawrence Karwar, Ace Spikers, Seamen Friends, Udupi Friends, Karawal Milan and Star One Tech.
After closely contested league matches the following teams made it to the semi-finals:
Ladies: Konkans Dubai Kanarites, Bunts Dubai and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Men's: Mogaveers, Konkans Dubai, Bunts Dubai and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Volley Ball teams: Shanan Star and Star One; Saifa Chilly Willy and Ace Spikers
The following teams made to the finals:
Ladies: Konkans Dubai Vs – Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Men's: Bunts Dubai – Konkans Dubai
Volley Ball: Shaifa Chilli Wily vs Shannon Stars
Prior to the closing ceremony and prize distribution, a raffle draw was held. All the sponsors were felicitated. Vote of thanks was proposed by Shashi Shetty.
Sumptuous lunch was arranged by Arab Udupi
An exhibition match was held to support the newcomers and they were felicitated. All the referees, linesmen and media representatives were also felicitated.
Outstanding players of the tournament in each category were honoured:
Volleyball: Best Striker - Gopala (Shannon Stars), Best setter - Sarfrash Qazi (Saifa Chilly Willy), All Rounder - Leslie D’Souza (Shannon Star).
Men's throwball: Best striker – Flavan (konkans Dubai), Defender – Shiva Shetty (Bunts), All Rounder - Deepak Shetty (Bunts Dubai)
Ladies throwball: Anita Lobo (Konkans Dubai), Defender - Sheela Shetty and all Rounder - Dr Arati Rai
All the winners of the tournament were called upon the stage and trophies were distributed:
Volleyball: Runner-up - Saifa Chilly Willy, Winners - Shannon Star,
Men's throwball: Runners-up - Konkans Dubai, Winners: Bunts Dubai
Ladies throwball: Runners-up Konkans Dubai, Winners: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha