Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Oct 24: The-four-day Valencia Premier League (VPL), organized by the Youth Welfare Committee from St Vincent Ferrer Church, was inaugurated by MLC Ivan D’Souza, here on Saturday, October 24 at Foot Ball Grounds, Nehru Maidan.
The most awaited Valencia Premier League will be held on October 24, 25, 31 and November 1.
In his inaugural speech, Ivan said, “When it comes to cricket, we all love this sport. We are going to have an international level cricket ground soon. We have seen the Bondel ground and it is suitable for the facelift. I have also raised this issue of an international cricket stadium in Mangaluru during the last Vidhana Parishath meeting and we are committed to do the work along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association. We have already formed a committee in the presence of district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai and sports minister Abhayachandra Jain in this regard. The international cricket stadium will benefit the youths of our region.”
In his presidential address, Fr James D'Souza the parish priest of St Vincent Ferrer church, said, “VPL is organised mainly to give a chance to the youths to come forward and showcase their talent. Sports should build a healthy relationship and friendship with your opponents”.
The following teams are selected for the final rounds: Milagres United, Kulur Nights, Jeppu Avengers, Cascia Super Kings, Viva Valencia, Neermarga United Eleven, Angelore Avengers, Raising Star Paldane, Bajal Whales and Vamanjoor Strikers.
The winning team will get Rs 1, 00,000 cash and trophy (VPL Championship 2015) and runners up will get Rs 50,000 cash and Trophy (VPL Championship 2015).
The best batsman, best bowler and best player will be awarded Rs 10,000 each. There will be 'Man of the match' award in every match.
Convener, Youth Welfare Committee, Anil Lobo welcomed the gathering. Patrick D’Souza the organiser of VPL, proposed the vote of thanks.
Arun Raj Rodrigues the vice president of parish council, Louis J Pinto the former vice president of parish council, assistant parish priest, Fr Clifford Pinto, Manohar Amin, the president of Karnataka State Cricket Association Mangaluru province and others were also present on this occasion.
The owners of the ten teams are Ivan D'Souza-Milagres United, Kiran D'Souza- Kulur Nights, Jeppu Avengers-Sandeep D'Silva, Robert D'Souza-Cascia Super Kings, Ritesh Tauro-Viva Valencia, Naveen Pinto-Neermarga United Eleven, Edward D'Souza-Angelore Avengers, William Lobo-Raising Star Paldane, Dilip Lobo-Bajal Whales, Roshan D'Souza-Vamanjoor Strikers, and Herbert D'Souza-Cascia Super Kings. They were all present on the occasion.