Media Release
Doha, Sep 21: Tulukoota Qatar lifted the maiden MAT Kabaddi Trophy in the Kabaddi tournament held in Qatar.
The tournament was organized by Tulukoota Qatar an associate organization of ICC at Aspire Dome, Multipurpose Hall. Vipul ambassador of India to Qatar was the chief guest for the event and E P Abdul Rahman – president – Indian Sports Centre was the guest of honour. Other guests in attendance were Roshan Ravi Shetty - business development manager – ATS Group - the event sponsor, Asmath Ali, managing director Golden Trading & Décor and Veeresh Mannangi general manager – Al Muftah Contracting.
Kiran Anand, president of Tulukoota welcomed the gathering and expressed his pride with 1st MAT kabaddi in Qatar and bringing the ancient and dying sport to the forefront. He expressed gratitude towards his team who together along with the Aspire Dome made this humongous success possible.
Vipul appreciated Tulukoota for the scale and grandeur of the event and wished more success to Tulukoota.
In past Tulukoota carries the hallmark of organizing the first ever Kabaddi tournament in Qatar and in September 2023 with first ever successful indoor MAT kabaddi. The passion and the grit the game has was evident with 8 teams coming ahead and participating in the tournament with zeal. The world class sports facility at Aspire dome, multipurpose hall, the venue for the tournament made it even more grandeur and added value to event.
The draw of lots and the t-shirt unveiling on 13th as a precursor to the finale saw all the teams coming together. The teams that participated are as follows - Tulukoota I and II, Billawas Qatar, MCA, GSRS Pasanga, Vallalar VLR Nadu, Qatar Indian Friends, SKMWA. The zeal and the enthusiasm of the players was noticeable with the passion during the tournament. Tulukoota had invited from India Mr.Sheethala Balenja, a national level referee as the chief referee. The guest present were ICC past president Milan Arun, senior member Abdulla Monu, gold sponsor Asmath Ali MD of Golden Trading and Decorations.
The tournament was a roaring success with 8 teams, 12 league matches and followed by the semifinal and a nail biting final. The might and vigour displayed of each of the players encashed the passion in each of the matches. Qatar Indian Friends and Tulukoota Qatar topped the group, while SKWMA and GSRS Pasanga topped group B and moved to the Semifinals, in the Semifinals Qatar Indian Friends defeated GSRS Pasanga, while Tulukoota Qatar triumphed over SKMWA in the second semifinal of the day. Finals was a closely fought match between Tulukoota Qatar and Qatar Indian Friends, with both teams alternatively leading for most part of the match, in the end the all-round performance from all the team members of Tulukoota Qatar ensured that Tulukoota Qatar pulled up the lead and emerge champions.
The event began with the first match at 8 am and continued till the final call. Each match was entertaining in its own essence, sometimes feisty fights and nail-biting catches and aggressive raiders who would throw the match on either side.
The excitement and viewership both online and onsite exceeded 10,000 and it build further curiosity among the audience. The huge numbers on live and on the ground only shows the love for the ancient sport. Audience was gripped with excitement and anxiety as the matches thrilled them.
Tulukoota lifted the championship trophy and cash of QAR 3,333, Qatar Indian friends were the first runner up winning cash prize of 2,222 and the trophy and SKMWA lifted the 2nd runner up trophy and winning the cash prize of QAR 1,111. Adars of Qatar Indian Friends was adjudged as the Best All rounder of the tournament, while Vishwaraj (TKQ) won the best rider award and the best defender award was won by Ashiq (TKQ).
Tulukoota’s vision of 1st MAT kabaddi came alive with event sponsor, ATS group Dr M Ravi Shetty, platinum sponsor - Intertech, golden sponsor - Golden Trading and Decorations, Almufta contracting, silver sponsor - Udupi Restaurant and Reyada Medical Centre, associate sponsor - MP Traders, Naseem Medical Centre, Al Mufta Rental Car, Manchester Trading and Contracting Co (Euro Group).