Report and pics by Sujay Bendore
Daijiworld Media Network - UAE
Abu Dhabi , Jan 12: As scheduled, the Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Ladies Throwball Tournament provided all the excitement and nail-biting matches which showcased talent, technique, power play and positive body language and presented the lovers of the game a bonanza of throwball entertainment.
In a late evening neck-and-neck finish, Bunts Dubai emerged winners after beating Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha by 13-15, 15-14,15-14 and lifted the coveted Cup. The final was fought by Bunts Dubai and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha for the first time in the tournament's history. The highly-rated Jashan Dubai did not live up to expectations and lost in semi-finals.
This annual women's throwball tournament is being organized by the Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha in memory of the late Koosamma Shambu Shetty for the last five years and has earned a reputation as the premier ladies' tournament of the region.
Earlier, son of the late Koosamma Shetty and renowned NRI entrepreneur Dr B R Shetty and his wife Dr Chandrakala Shetty inaugurated the event in the presence of prominent personalities, among others like Sarvotham Shetty, Sudhir Kumar Shetty and Shekar Shetty on Abu Dhabi Indian School ground on Friday, January 12.
In the first phase of the tournament, the annual Bunts Rolling Cup was held and the favourite Bunts Dubai bagged the trophy by defeating Abu Dhabi Bunts' team.
In the second open phase, six leading teams participated;
The teams in pool "A" were Jashan Dubai, Mangalore Konkans and Kanarities Dubai and in Pool "B" Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, KCO Abu Dhabi and Bunts Dubai participated.
Lunch was provided to the teams and spectators.
Semifinals were played between Jashan Dubai Vs Bunts Dubai, and Mangalore Konkans Vs Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha. Bunts Dubai and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha entered the finals by displaying an all-round performance and quality play throughout the tournament.
Later in a thrilling finish, Bunts Dubai emerged winners after beating Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Chethana Prabhu of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha was adjudged 'Best Defence Player',
Shakeela R Shetty of Bunts Dubai the 'Best All-rounder', Violet Andrade of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha the 'Best Service' and Shashi Shetty of Bunts Dubai the 'Best Striker'. Sarvothama Shetty compered the entire event.
Dr Chandrakala B R Shetty, Sudhir Kumar Shetty and Shekar Shetty distributed the prizes to the winners.
President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Sarvotham Shetty and his team orgainized and conducted the event in a professional manner and were appreciated by the players and spectators.
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