Report: Mohammed Nooman & Ravi Karkera
Dammam, Oct 11: On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Mangalore Association of Saudi Arabia (MASA) organized a special event 'Vinaya Naveen Bhandary Memorial Tournament' consisting of men’s volleyball, ladies throwball tournaments and drawing competition for children below 18 for its members at Dammam 91 Area sports venue.
The event was sponsored by Naveen Bhandary and Deeksha Bhandary. Various exciting games were also conducted simultaneously for children of different age groups.
The event was inaugurated by president Narendra Shetty and Naveen Bhandary in the presence of executive committee, advisory committee and large number of MASA members.
The sudden and untimely demise of Vinaya Bhandary on February 25, 2014 shocked the family and MASA members. "Even today it is hard to believe that the charming and ever smiling Vinaya is not amongst us," said Ravi Karkera during the inauguration of the event.
Being a very active member of MASA, wife of Naveen Bhandary, former general secretary and mother of Deeksha Bhandary, Vinaya was a down-to-earth person and highly concerned about all her associates. She loved sports and was actively involved in all events of MASA.
At the closing ceremony of prize distribution, Naveen Bhandary said, "Vinaya was a champion sportsperson during her school / college days. Being an athlete during her school days in Lady Hill High School, she used to run 100 and 200 meters race, while in St Agnes College, she was a champion throwball player, and then moved on to volleyball on the advice of her college physical trainer. She represented Mangalore University and was the captain of University volleyball team. Vinaya also represented south zone volleyball team in national games twice during her college days; she also played for the popular Attavar Friends Club during off seasons from college."
Kids showcased their talents through drawings and paintings while elders enjoyed playing volleyball and throwball in a professional manner.
Six teams of volleyball were led under the captainship of Suresh MJ, Ajith Kumar, Sachin Hegde, Santosh Shetty, Nagraj Bajal and Sandesh. Four teams of throw ball were led by Chetana Sadashiv Poojary, Surekha Amith Shetty, Kasturi Yoganand Achar and Deepa Prakash Shetty. Both the tournaments witnessed exciting and nail biting finishes and the crowd enjoyed each and every moment.
Drawing and painting of Children were exhibited on the wall for the viewing of the members. Amazing paintings and arts by kids and teens were much appreciated by the viewers.
Musical chair, passing the cap, grabbing gifts, color corners and memory games were lively and thoroughly enjoyed by children and parents.
Results
Volleyball:
Winners: Suresh M J and team
Runner-up: Santhosh Shetty and team
Throwball:
Winners: Team Surekha Shetty
Runner-up: Team Deepa Shetty
Drawing Competition Results:
Below 6 years:
First place: Shamita Shetty
Second place: Maanya Shetty
Third place: Farhana Farooque
6 – 10 years:
First place: Shravya Harish
Second place: Mohammed Faraz
Third place: Shreya Satish
10 – 14 years:
First place: Shreya Arun
Second place: Anshika Jitesh
Third place: Giselle Aranha and Smrithi Poojary
14 – 18 Years:
First place: Prishitha Poojary
Second place: Maneesh Pradeep
Third place: Gyan Karkera
Medals were given to the winners and runner-ups of volleyball and throwball games, while gifts were given to all the winners of children's games. Overall it was a pleasant evening and well-presented tribute to Vinaya Bhandary. The event concluded with the announcement of next Masa Talents' day on October 16 and the national anthem.