Mangalore Konkans Lift Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Throwball Trophy
News and Pics: Oswald M D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Jan 14: The prestigious late Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Throwball Tournament had a thrilling finish at the Abu Dhabi Indian School Grounds on Friday January 14. In the finals, the unbeatable Mangalore Konkans won in the ladies' category, India Juniors in the gents' category and Delhi Juniors in the juniors' category.
The most awaited yearly calendar event witnessed some nail-biting finishes (ladies, gents and junior girls) . The tournament was attended by a large gathering of sports lovers from all over the UAE and other parts of the Gulf.
Earlier in the day a brief inaugural ceremony was held which was presided over by Dr B R Shetty and Dr Chandrakumari. Distinguished guests including Richard D’Souza, member of Board of Governors and V K Mathu, principal of Abu Dhabi Indian School, B Nagaraj Shetty, chairman of Coastal Development Authority, government of Karnataka, Nagalaxmi K, founder-director of Sri Krishna Cultural Academy, members of Asian Throwball Federation, officials of various associations and several others were present.
The tournament was declared open by Dr B R Shetty and Dr Chandrakumari Shetty symbolically passing the ball over the net on the throwball court.
The following teams participated in the tournament:
Ladies' Teams
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, KCO Abu Dhabi, Bunts Dubai, Mangalore Konkans Dubai, Jashan Dubai, Konkans Dubai, Bangalore, Challengers, Kuwait Friends Kuwait
Men's Teams
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, KCO Abu Dhabi, Bunts Dubai, Mangalore Konkans Dubai, Jashan Dubai, Konkans Dubai, Juniors Delhi, Juniors India
Children's Teams
Abu Dhabi Juniors, Dubai Juniors Bangalore, Juniors Ajman Juniors
Semi-finals and finals
In the ladies' category the semi-finals were played between Jashan Dubai v/s Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha and Mangalore Konkans and Bunts Dubai and the nail-biting final was Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha versus Mangalore Konkans.
In the gents' category the semi-finals were played between India Juniors and Jashan, Dubai; Bangalore Juniors and Bunts Dubai and the exciting finals between Bangalore Juniors and India Juniors.
The Juniors too had their own thrill, as the youngsters proved their ability in playing exciting games and an added extra vigour to this prestigious tournament, with Delhi Juniors finally grabbing the coveted trophy for on total points basis.
The tournament was played with true sportsman spirit and had its share of agony and ecstasy. Every participant showed their mite with fine display of their skills.
The Winners
Ladies
Mangalore Konkans
Gents
India Juniors
Juniors
Delhi Juniors
Outstanding Players
Best Defender - Smitha Chowta
Best Striker - Mable
Best All Rounder - Chetana Prabhu
The prize distribution was held in the evening at ADIS Premises in the presence of H.E. M K Mukesh, Dr B R Shetty and other distinguished guests.to the cheers of winning teams and their supporters.
M K Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to UAE who was also the chief guest of the evening was introduced to the players and spectators.
This tournament was initiated by B R Shetty in memory of his late mother Koosamma Shambu Shetty who was an inspiration for his success.
The tournament has grown in popularity since its inception several years ago (1989) providing quality entertainment year after year.
During the course of the day, Neetha Lokesh Puthran, Yashoda Santosh Bhandary, Marina Menezes, Irene Charles Quadros, Sheela Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Hilda Henry D'Souza and Sudhakar Alva
were honoured for their service to the cause of KSM Throw Ball Tournament.
Sumptuous lunch was served to all the spectators as well as the participants – courtesy B R Shetty. During the day expert commentary was given by Vinod Shetty and Melwyn Lewis adding spice to the entertaining tournament.
The tournament was well organized by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha under the brilliant stewardship of the untiring Sarvotham Shetty and his selfless indefatigable team members.
The highlight of this tournament was that several teams participated for the first time outside the Gulf, which proved the popularity of this event internationally.
To add to the success the fine and pleasant weather proved to be a boon to this prestigious tournament Ultimately it was a job well done.