Abu Dhabi: Bunts Dubai emerge KSSM throwball champions
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Jan 25: Bunts Dubai, UAE’s top throwball team lifted the coveted late Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Trophies (Open to All) in both gents and ladies categories in a spectacular manner at the Abu Dhabi Indian School premises on Friday January 24.
The thrilling final encounters between Bunts Dubai and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha in ladies' tourney was indeed breathtaking and was played with lots of stamina and passion. It was a nail biting tournament with ups and downs, which was nerve-racking, thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators and Bunts Dubai ultimately managed to beat Abu Dhabi’s top team Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha.
So was the finals between Bunts Dubai and Konkans Dubai in gents tourney, which was equally fierce and entertaining and at the end Bunts Dubai proved their superiority over Konkans Dubai.
It was a proud moment for Bunts Dubai to take home both trophies in a spectacular manner.
The prestigious Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial ladies throwball tournament is held every year in the month of January, in memory of late Koosamma Shambu Shetty, mother of Padmashree Dr B R Shetty of NMC Group who passed away in 1986. The tournament has gained popularity over the years since its inception in 1989. Several teams participate in this prestigious tournament which is played in a friendly atmosphere.
This year 8 teams from various Emirates participated in the tournament:
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
KCO, Abu Dhabi
Bunts, Dubai
Konkan's, Dubai
Mogaveer's, UAE
Mangalore Konkans, Dubai
SMMKC, Sharjah
Canara Catholics Fujairah
The tournament was played on knockout basis.
The Bunts Dubai ladies' and gents' teams proved their superiority over the other participating teams with their team game and discipline and established themselves as the undisputed champions of UAE.
All the participating teams played exciting games in their encounters vying for the top place.
Earlier in the morning the tournament was declared open by Padmashree Dr B R Shetty and his wife Dr Chandrakumari B R Shetty by symbolically passing the throwball. The inaugural match was played between K.C.O. Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Abu Dhabi.
The success of the tournament goes mainly due to the extraordinary efforts of veteran Sarvotham Shetty, president of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, whose untiring dedication and love for the game has gained affection of large number of people. Sarvotham who is a popular figure in UAE and known for his simplicity and vigour was instrumental for the tremendous success of this exhilarating tournament. He was ably assisted by his dedicated Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha committee members.
The well organized and keenly contested tournament with discipline and sportsmen spirit by participating teams should be commended.
The prize distribution was held at the Abu Dhabi Indian School premises attended by large crowd.
During the occasion two media persons were honoured by Dr B R Shetty with shawls and gifts for their services to the Abu Dhabi community namely, Oswald M D’Souza of Daijiworld.com and his wife, and Alphonse Mendonca of Bellevision, as they are departing UAE shortly after a long tenure in Abu Dhabi.
Vinod Shetty provided running commentary throughout the tournament with his unique style and humour.
Lunch was served for the participating teams and the spectators, courtesy Dr B R Shetty and his family.
Results
Semi-final (ladies)
(1) Bunts Dubai beat Konkans Dubai by 21/09
(2) Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha beat Mangalore Konkans by 21/18
Semi-final (gents)
(1) Konkans Dubai beat KCO Abu Dhabi by 21/08
(2) Bunts Dubai beat Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha by 21/12
Final (ladies)
Bunts Dubai beat Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha by 15/13 & 15/14 (2 sets)
Final (gents)
Bunts Dubai beat Konkan's Dubai by 15/10 & 15/08 (2 sets)
Other Winners
Ladies
Best Defender - Sangitha Shetty of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Best Striker - Neethu Shetty of Bunts Dubai
All Rounder - Sangitha Shetty of Bunts Dubai
Gents
Best Defender - Kishore Shetty of Bunts Dubai
Best Striker - Johnson of Konkan's Dubai
All Rounder - Ranjit Shetty of Bunts Dubai
Referees
Satish Shetty
Jayapal Raj
Dr Dey
Annette Menezes
Jessintha Rasquinha
Dr B R Shetty, Dr Chandrakumari B R Shetty, Binay B R Shetty, Nandini Tandon, Board Member, Duke & Stanford Uniiversity, USA
Dr Vidya Shetty, Chief Academic Officer, B R Schools, Dr Rishi, Principal, Bright Riders School, N C Vijayachandra, Principal, ADIS, V K Mathu, Advisor, Board of Governors, ADIS, Ravindranath, Vice Principal, ADIS, Valerian D’Almeida, President, KCO Abu Dhabi, Ronald Pinto, Sudhir Kumar Shetty and Seema Nirman were present during the inaugural ceremony.
Dr B R Shetty, Dr Chandrakumari B R Shetty, Ronald Pinto, S B Shetty, Siraj Ahmed, Inland Builders, Mangalore, Sudhir Kumar Shetty and Sujat Shetty were the guests during the closing ceremony.
The tournament is entering its 25th year and next year’s tournament will be Silver Jubilee tournament and will be more exciting with new features it was announced
The tournament was well organized and concluded without any controversy. The spectators encouraged all the participating teams by cheering and applauding, thoroughly enjoying themselves.