Media Releas
Kuwait, Mar 14: Mogaveers Association Kuwait, Affiliated to Indian embassy Kuwait, is the community welfare association of non-resident Mogaveeras, based in Kuwait. For the 6th time MAK organised, national level volleyball, throwball tournament under the title of 'MAK Champion Trophy 2023' on February 25. The tournament was held at American International School Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.
The tournament coincided with the national day of Kuwait celebration. The weather was pleasant, the participants and the MAK members were all geared up for the tournament.
The day long tournament commenced with a grand opening ceremony headed by Suresh Salian. On behalf of MAK management committee, Pooja Amrith Kanchan, the host for the day welcomed gathering, which was followed by Kuwait and Indian National Anthem. On the occasion of national day, a tribute to Kuwait Tradition was showcased which was conceptualised by Suresh Salian.
The chief Guest of the day was Sunoj Nambiar, the founder and director of IndiansinKuwait.com. Guest of honour Vibheesh Tikkodi Mannath - director of 'Writers capital international foundation' was present. To grace the occasion and bless the players Fr Noel D'Almeida, preist of Abbasiya Church was present.
The other guests for the day were Raghu Poojary advisor Billava Sangha, Sandesh Amin-sports secretary Billava Sangha, Shankar Shetty general secretary of Tulukoota, Harish Bhandary general secretary of Tulukoota, Chandrahas Shetty ex president of Tulukoota, Tharendra Shettigar ex president of Tulukoota, Wilson D'Ssouza former president of Tulukoota, Ramachandran president of Kannada Koota with his wife, Yadunath Alva former president of Buntara Sangha along with his wife Shalini Yadunath Alva. Rajesh Shetty owner of Al Beit Al Khaleej and Sathish Chandra Shetty owner Oriental Restaurant. The guests conveyed their best wishes and good luck to the participating teams and organizers.
Kishore Kotian, president of MAK in his speech welcomed the gathering and stressed the importance of playing with true sportsman spirit and thanked all the teams for their support as this event is done for MAK welfare projects.
Kavitha Kidiyoor Sports secretary of MAK headed the oath taking ceremony with all the participants.
Convenor Ramesh Kidiyoor wished all teams and announced the opening of the tournament. The president of MAK Kishore Kotian, MAK management committee along with the chief guest inaugurated the volleyball and throwball court by serving the ball. The medals and trophies of the tournament were unveiled by guests.
The participating volleyball teams were as below:
Boubyan Strikers, KSAC, Volley Lovers, MKV Strikers, Tamil Tigers, Bayan Salmiya, Saja Group Volley, Riggae Volley & Buntara Sangha Kuwait.
The participating throwball teams were as below:
Team Alfa, Dragon Queens, Pro Sports United,Velocity,Royal Stars,Power Squads,Sharp Shooters & Dragon Scorpions.
The volleyball inaugural first round match started between MKV stikers and Bayan Salmiya the first round of throw ball inaugural match was between Dragon Scorpion and Dragon Queens. The teams played with full enthusiasm, viewers enjoyed and experienced the spectacular show. As the day progressed matches kept rolling one after another.
The main sponsors of the event was Bajaj Alliance. Other Sponsors were Vision Direct Logistics Services Company, Boubyan Gas Company and Al Beit al Khaleeji restaurant. The referees for volleyball were Alexander Mathew and Abhilash Mathew.
The referees for throwball were Ivan D'Souza and Seema Miranda. The scorers for throwball team were Kavitha Kidiyoor and Smitha Laksmish.
The scorers for volleyball team were Nithesh Karkera and Jaya Kotian. The announcements was done by Girish Mehta and Siraj. Sumptuous breakfast, lunch and snacks was provided by China Metro. Beautiful moments of the day were captured by the MAK photographers Amrith Kanchan, Kiran Kumar, Prashanth Kunder, Nishanth Salian and Lohith Karkera.
Wonderful background music by DJ Purander Manchi. Sound System was provided by Anand Sounds.
Winners
The volleyball ended with a finale of final matches between KSCAC and Boubyan Strikers. After a tough battle between the two strong teams, Team Boubyan Stikers Strikers bagged the winners trophy and KSAC were declared the first runner up. The second runners up trophy was won by Buntara Sangha. MAK Player of the tournament for volleyball was secured by Madhuvanth Kulal of Boubyan Stikers.
On the other hand, throw ball tournament ended with League matches. Team Alfa defeated the opponents and became winners. 1st runners up was won by Dragon Queens and Power Squads stood up as the 2nd runners. MAK player of the tournament for throwball was secured by Anusha B Prabhakar of Team Alfa.
Prize distribution ceremony
Raj Bhandhary, president of Bharathiya Pravasi Parishad, Karnataka Wing & Dr Divakar president of Indian Doctors Forum Kuwait graced the prize distribution ceremony as a token of respect they were presented with a floral Bouquet.
President Kishore Kotian, along with MAK management & guest awarded the trophies and medals to winners, whereas the MAK members gave away the trophies & medals to runners up team & the individual achievers.
A raffle draw was conducted by MAK & the winners are as below:
1st Prize: Santhosh
2nd Prize: Sanu Kunder
3rd Prize: Waheed
The 10 consolation prize winners were Prashanth K Nair, Lohith G Karkera, Mushir, Varghese, Kishore, Santhosh, Rohan Raj, Shivam Santhosh, Mathi Ramaya and Sudesh Puthran.
In her vote of thanks, Poonam Mendon thanked each and everyone who were responsible for the success of the tournament, participants, sponsors, organisers, MAK Vounteers, MAK management committee and executive committee. Finally, a special thanks was given to the management and staff of American International School, Maidan Hawally for the awesome venue.