News: Sunita Furtado
Pics: Pritham Fernandes
Muscat, Nov 18: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) conducted an exciting Badminton Tournament, ‘Smash It to Win It’ at the Oasis Badminton Club, Ghala.
The tournament witnessed an overwhelming response which resulted in a record-breaking number of 102 entries. The tournament drew together a sizable number of participants along with their families, generating an electrifying atmosphere. Participants from the community spanning various age groups engaged in spirited competition, exuding tremendous enthusiasm and vigor while representing the true essence of sportsmanship.
The venue was abuzz with activity as participants gathered for registration while enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. MCCP president Nirmala Goveas, delivered the inaugural address, thus setting an enthusiastic tone for the day. The committee’s spiritual secretary, Juvan Sequeira, led the assembly in a heartfelt prayer while sports secretary, Anyrith Sherleen D’Souza, briefed everyone on the event's motto and guidelines, and introduced the tournament referees: Danish Riaz, Lakshmi Iyer, and Mohammed Irshad.
Sunil D’Souza, a dedicated supporter and sponsor of MCCP and esteemed CEO of Travelpoint, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. After acknowledging D’Souza, Goveas then invited him to formally inaugurate the tournament by playing the opening shots alongside Caroline Braina Pinto, MCCP vice president finance & sports, and longstanding supporters of MCCP, Adolf and Jocelyn D’Souza. This symbolic gesture marked the official commencement of the highly anticipated 'Smash It to Win It' badminton tournament by the Mangalurean community.
The tournament kick-started with players vying for the winners trophies in five categories: boys & girls singles (11 years and below), boys & girls doubles (12-18 years), men’s & women’s doubles (19-30 years), men’s & women’s doubles (31-44 years), and men’s & women’s doubles (45 years and above). Showcasing their professional skills, the teams displayed spirited play across three courts, delivering exciting matches that often concluded in nail-biting finishes.
All the league matches were played before lunch, thus setting the stage for thrilling quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals in the post-lunch session. Scrumptious breakfast, lunch, and tea with snacks was provided by RaRa Kitchen for all the attendees at the venue. The atmosphere reached a pinnacle of excitement with the surprise announcement of introducing the mixed doubles category. The first 40 players (20 men and 20 women) who registered were included in a draw, adding an unexpected twist to the competition. During the final matches, chief guest and CEO of Enroil Oilfield Solutions & Services, Rajan Sarang and his wife Deepika Rajan, graced the occasion with their presence. They were honored by core committee member, Stanley Fernandes.
Melisha D’Souza, the committee’s internal auditor, delivered the vote of thanks and extended her heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the committee to all the referees, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the resounding success of the event.
The finale of the day filled with thrilling and closely contested matches was marked by the prize distribution ceremony. The winners in various categories were announced by Anyrith Sherleen D'Souza. Core committee members Stanley Fernandes and Jessie Vivian Pereira took the stage to honor the winners as well as players in the fourth, third, and runners-up positions with trophies, badges, and certificates. Jessie Pereira also honoured the referees, including fourth referee Robin Sebastian, and event photographer, Pritham Fernandes. Juvan Sequeira honoured Yogendra Katiyar, the owner of Oasis Badminton Club.
Thus, the excitement, energy, and joy of the day came to a close, making it a memorable one for all who participated and attended.
Winners and runners-up of various categories:
Below 12 boys’ singles:
Winner: Rian Saldanha
Runner-up: Evan Mathias
Below 12 girls’ singles:
Winner: Jessel Ruth Pinto
Runner-up: Shanelle Lewis
Below 19 boys’ doubles:
Winners: Aman D’Costa & Cleon D’Mello
Runners-up: Jonathan Saldanha & Shawn Menezes
Below 19 girls’ doubles:
Winners: Christine Danthi & Michelle Treza Pinto
Runners-up: Cleona Rodrigues & Risha Saldanha
Below 30 men’s doubles:
Winners: Ranson Joy Mathias & Sujan Joel Monis
Runners-up: Rohan Rodrigues & Akshay Baretto Rosario
Below 45 men’s doubles:
Winners: Jason Cardoza & Loyson D’souza
Runners-up: Nitesh Crasta & Solon Cornelio
Below 45 women’s doubles:
Winners: Reshma Dcosta & Preethi Dmello
Runners-up: Braina Pinto & Rinet Menezes
Above 45 men’s doubles:
Winners: Owen Lewis & Praveen Lewis
Runners-up: Rony Pereira & Praveen Pinto
Above 45 women’s doubles:
Winners: Reshma Saldanha & Lidia Noronha
Runners-up: Anitha Danthi & Priya Menezes
Mixed doubles:
Winners: Sandra Concesso & Glen Dsouza
Runners-up: Loyson D’Souza & Reshma Saldanha
The MCCP was grateful to the event sponsors namely Enroil Oilfields Solutions & Services, Raphael Quadras (Zahrat Al Rawdha Trading), Best Line Printing Press, Balthazar & Mildred Fernandes (Talentz Enterprises), Cletus & Melanie Tauro, Arabian Food Production Company for providing Dana Eggs for all the participants, Jessie Pereira (Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives), Al Bayan Water, Al Mudhish, Muscat Pharmacy and a well-wisher.
The MCCP was also grateful to its supporters namey Pritham Fernandes for photography, and match referees Jinesh Riaz, Lakshmi Iyer, Mohammed Irshad and Robin Sebastian.