Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RJP)
Udupi, Apr 27: The much-awaited Udupi Premier League (UPL), the first-of-its-kind international T10 hard tennis ball tournament in the history of cricket, organized by Udupi Cricket Club, got off to a spectacular start on Tuesday, April 26 evening at MGM College Grounds here.
Prior to the inauguration, a grand procession was taken from Kalsanka Royal Gardens via Kadiyali and Kunjibettu to the venue, with the decorated tournament trophy atop a vehicle. Tiger dance teams, chende sets and other cultural teams added colour to the occasion. At the venue, the tournament was formally inaugurated by releasing doves and balloons and lighting the torch.
Udupi MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, who is also the chairman of UPL T10, in his address said, "This is a historic moment for Udupi. This UPL tournament should succeed in attracting more cricket enthusiasts towards the game. I wish this tournament a grand success.
"I am just chairman of UPL, but all the work has been done by Sadhiq Kaup and his team who came all the way from Dubai to organize this tournament. If not for them, it would have been tough for locals to organize such a big event. Hence, we should encourage them more. With this tournament, local talents have got opportunities to showcase their skills, and now they can gain confidence to play at higher levels," he added.
He also announced that he would speak to the state government about building a cricket stadium in Udupi.
Manohar Shetty of Sai Radha Developers said, "This is the result of team work of four months. This ground looks like the Oval in England. It is better than expected. With this, the organizers have set an example not only for Udupi but the entire country. I assure my full support in future also."
ABF group managing director Mohammed Aslam Kazi presided over the inaugural ceremony.
Priya welcomed the gathering on behalf of UPL. Santosh Padubidri proposed the vote of thanks. Radio jockey Errol compered. UPL convener Sadiq Kaup was present.
Lalaji Mendon, former MLA, Kaup, Kishore Alva, executive director, Adani Udupi Power Corporation Limited, Yashpal A Suvarna, president, DK and Udupi Fisheries Federation, Manohar Shetty, managing director, Sai Radha group of Concerns Udupi, Patron UPL T10 2016, Kadandale Suresh Bhandary, chairman, Manifold Credit Co-operative Society Mumbai, Prasadraj Kanchan, managing director, Kanchan Hyundai, Udupi, P Vilas Nayak, managing director, Hanuman Group of Concerns, Udupi, Sunil Kumar, businessman from Goa and patron of UPL T10 2016, Gangadhar Birthi, president, Birthi Credit Co-operative Society, Udupi, Hidayatulla Kazi, general manager, ABCO Steel International Private Limited, Ranjitha Shet, TV serial actress, Amrith Shenoy P, businessman, Udupi, Krishnamurthy Acharya, proprietor, Hotel Mathura Comforts, Udupi, Asmath Ali, managing director, Golden trading Co-Quartar, Geetha Shet, CMC member, Vishwas V Ameen, president, Youth Congress Kaup block, Krishna Prasad, president, Udupi Cricket Association, Udupi and Thonse Jayakrishna Shetty, president, Jayakrishna Parisara Samiti and vice-chairman of UPL T10 2016 were present among others.
A total number of 20 teams are participating in the tournament. Matches will be played between 8 am to 12 pm everyday from April 27 to May 1 at the MGM Grounds.
A practice match was played after the formal inauguration.