Media Release
Doha, Feb 28: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar in its endeavour to unite all Mangalureans as one family as per the club theme 'Yeya Ek Kutamb Bhandhya' organized Mangalorean Day Inter Varado Sports event on February 10 at Al Arabi Sports Club – Indoor Stadium, Doha Qatar.
A magnificent event created a history in Qatar where over 500 Konkani speaking Mangalureans gathered under 8 Varados. The sports day hosted by the MCC Qatar was a lively and well-attended event, attracting participants and spectators from all the Varados. The day was filled with a variety of athletic competitions and sports tournaments. The participants brought their best, competing with determination and spirit, and putting their skills on display for the crowd.
The venue was ideal for indoor sports. The MCC event staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that the day ran smoothly and that all participants and spectators had a safe and enjoyable experience, and it was a perfect day of competition.
The eight Teams that participated were:
1. Amche Udupi – Team Owner – Rocky Fernandes, Aloysius, Merlyn D’souza & family, Team Captain – Amith Mathias
2. Coastal Warriors – Team Leader – Melroy Vaz, Team Captain – Lester Pais
3. United Probhus Doha – Team Owner – Henry D’Souza, Team Captain – Nishan D’Souza
4. Episcopal Warriors – Team Owner – Arnold D’Souza, Team Captain – Della Rego
5. Kodialchi Tharan – Team Owner – Francis & Cynthia Quadros, Team Captain – Vijay D'Souza
6. Konkani Warriors – Team Owner – Alwyn D’Souza, Team Captain – Arun D'Silva
7. Champions of Shirva – Team Owner – Jason, Divya Pinto & Family, Team Captain – Dorothy Noronha
8. United Bantwals – Team Owner – Jerald D’Mello, Team Captain – Melwin Pinto
The competition started with throwball match played between all teams as per fixtures drawn followed by Volleyball, Cricket, Relay, Tug of War, March Past and fun games for children. Throwball, Volleyball and Cricket teams were formed with a mixture of men and women while Tug of War and Relay teams were playedby Men and Women teams. All matches were played as league then with winners playing semi-finals and final matches.
It was spectacular to watch the relay teams comprised of one member each of 4 different age categories from 15 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50 and 50 and above age groups.
The event also included fun games for children which was an add-on to Mangalorean Day. The enthusiasm and participation energy of the children was simply marvellous. Mishal Lobo conducted games for children. Individual games team were awarded with trophies.
All players showed commitment, dedication, discipline, enthusiasmand impressive performances in all the matches with a great support and cheering from their respective teams. From children to the youngsters and from youngsters to the senior citizens, all had the vibe of ‘Amche Kodyal’ in the land of Qatar.
The event ended with a grand March-past from all the 8 Varados during the closing ceremony.The highlight of the sports day was the March-Past from all 8 Varaado teams participated as a team with unique theme, battling it out on the field. The excitement was palpable as the teams pushed themselves to the limit, the crowd cheering them on and adding to the energy of the day. The trophy ceremony that followed was a fitting conclusion, as the winners were recognized and celebrated for their achievements.
Fr Nelson Lobo, spiritual director of Konkani Speaking community and assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary church Qatar was the chief guest for the closing ceremony. President Naveen D’Souza, MCC founder member Jerald D’Mello, Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) president and Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) president Aloysius D’Souza, judge Sumaa Mahesh Gowda, vice president Fredrick D’Souza and sports secretary Shameen Lewis joined chief guest on the dias and were greeted with a rose.
MCC president Naveen in his speech said the main intention to have this Mangalorean Day Inter Varado Sports event was to bring all the Mangaloreans from all parishes of both Mangalore and Udupi dioceses together, to meet and greet, mingle with each other and know our fellow Mangalorean, to enjoy and have fun in the best weather conditions and mainly to give them a platform to showcase their various talents in different sports. Witnessing the enthusiasm and sportsmanship vibe from all participants, it was a great satisfaction and fulfilment to see the successful event and aim was being accomplished. He thanked all his executive committee and the sports secretary Shameen Lewis in particular and his team for their wholehearted support in organizing and successful conduct of this event.
Fr Nelson Lobo, chief guest was amazed and enthralled to witness exciting sports day events, great participation and enthusiasmof all gathered. He was impressed to see such a large crowd of Konkani speaking Mangaloreans in Qatar as it was his first interaction after his recent transfer to Qatar. He said in future, if there isan opportunity, he would plan to build a court in the church so that there could be more sport events. He requested all the Mangalorean of various clubs to come together as one community and have more gatherings together. He ended with a presidential note, “Youths are the backbone of the community. The efforts of bringing the people together by organising such events with utmost enthusiasm makes the community grow stronger.”
KSC and MCA president Aloysius D’Souza in his speech congratulated MCC for hosting this event and said, "We all should work as one team and need to host more such events for the Mangalurean community."
The programme was compered by Lavita Rodrigues meticulously.
Sumaa Mahesh Gowda was the main judge for Tug of War and March-past, Ranjith umpired the Throwball game, Rajendra umpired the Volleyball game and Cricket were umpired by Mohamed Abdul Salam.
The commentators for all the games wasled by Mishal Lobo and Renzil D’Souza. Score boards for different games were handled by Cyril D’Souza, Ronald Saldanha, Vanessa Saldanha, Alwyn D’Souza and Anup D’Souza.
The chief guest and dignitaries distributed the prizes to the winners of the different events. The winners were awarded trophies. Lunch and snacks were provided for all spectators and teams.
Sports secretary Shameen Lewis proposed the vote of thanks wherein he thanked all the members for their great participation with enthusiasm showing wonderful team spirit and for great attendance at the Inter-Varaddo Sports day. He thanked all the varado participants and his team for their excellent support.
Emcee Lavita Rodrigues announced the winners for the children’s game
Age Group 9 to 15 Years
1. Aiming the wicket – Winner –Alrick Stalin D’Souza
2. Book Race – Winner -Sanvia D’Souza
Age Group below 9 years
• Bombing the city – Winner – Dane D’Souza
• Drop the ball in the bucket – Winner – Neha Jessy Tauro
Throwball
1st winner - Kodialchi Tharan
2nd winner - Amche Udupi
Volleyball
1st winner - Amche Udupi
2nd winner - Champions of Shirva
Cricket
1st winner - Amche Udupi
2nd winner - Coastal Warriors
Relay Men
1st winner - Amche Udupi
2nd winner - United Bantwals
Relay Women
1st winner - Episcopal Warriors
2nd winner - United Bantwals
Tug of War Men
1st winner - Coastal Warriors
2nd winner - United Bantwals
Tug of War Women
1st winner - Coastal Warriors
2nd winner - Kodialchi Tharan
March-Past
1st winner - Episcopal Warriors
2nd winner - Amche Udupi
Winners of each team secured points for each game - 5 points for 1st place and 3 points for 2nd place which was all added to declare the overall Champions.
The overall championship was bagged by Amche Udupi. The first runners up trophy was won by Coastal Warriors, and Episcopal Warriors team took home the 2nd runners up trophy.
Overall, the sports day hosted by the MCC Qatar was a resounding success, showcasing the talents and skills of the athletes and the community's commitment to health and wellness. It was a day filled with excitement, competition, and camaraderie, and will be remembered as one of the highlights of the year. MCC Qatar are proud of their efforts in bringing the community together and providing a platform for people to showcase their sporting talents and skills.