Report: Sunita Furtado
Photographs: Joachim D’Souza
Muscat, Nov 4: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) hosted an exhilarating badminton tournament, "Challenge the Champion in You," at Oasis Badminton Club, Ghala. The event garnered an overwhelming response, with a record-breaking 115 entries, thus creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. Participants of all age groups from the community competed passionately, showcasing remarkable enthusiasm and embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship. The tournament not only brought players together but also members of the community, thus turning the day into a celebration of talent, unity, and healthy competition.
The venue was abuzz with activity as participants began reporting at 8:45 am, while enjoying a hearty breakfast before the action began. MCCP president Nirmala Goveas kick-started the event with an inspiring inaugural address, followed by a heartfelt prayer led by the committee’s spiritual secretary Juvan Sequeira. Cultural secretary Rinet Menezes then provided a clear briefing on the event's guidelines, setting the stage for an action packed day. Tournament referees Danish Riaz, Shobith, and Mohammed Irshad, ready to ensure fair play during all the matches, were introduced.
Longstanding supporters and sponsors of MCCP, Adolf D’Souza, Jocelyn D’Souza, and guest of honor Hansel Barboza, formally inaugurated the tournament by playing the opening shots with Reisha Quadros, vice president of Finance & Sports, Caroline Pinto, and Rinet Menezes.
The tournament commenced with lots being drawn for the league matches in various categories. Master of ceremonies (emcee) Joel Lobo elevated the excitement and energy of the tournament with his lively announcements and engaging interaction with the players and audience. Exhibiting their professional skills, the players displayed spirited play across three courts, delivering matches that often concluded in nail-biting finishes.
Scrumptious breakfast, lunch, and tea with snacks was provided by RaRa Kitchen for all the attendees at the venue. Goody bags were distributed to all participants by the executive committee members. General secretary Reshma Pereira delivered the vote of thanks and extended her heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, 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 with the prize distribution ceremony by honoring the winners as well as the first, second, and third runners-up with mementos and certificates. President Nirmala Goveas also honored the three referees, event photographer Joachim D’Souza, and emcee Joel Lobo.
Thus, the excitement, energy, and joy of the day came to a close, making it a huge success and a memorable one for all who participated and attended.
Winners and Runners-Up of various categories:
Under 13 Boys Singles:
Winner: Rian Saldanha
Runner-Up: Evan Mathias
Under 13 Girls Singles:
Winner: Jessel Ruth Pinto
Runner-Up: Shanelle Lewis
Under 19 Boys Doubles:
Winners: Aman D’Costa & Cleon D’Mello
Runners-Up: Shawn Menezes & Anweel Ferrao
Below 19 Girls Doubles:
Winners: Christine Danthi & Michelle Pinto
Runners-Up: Risha Saldanha & Siona Saldanha
Under 35 Men’s Doubles:
Winners: Sujith Monis & Rohan Rodrigues
Runners-Up: Arun Lobo & Aron D’Souza
Under 45 Men’s Doubles:
Winners: Arul Lobo & Joel Hevin
Runners-Up: Jason Cardoza & Loyson D’Souza
Under 45 Women’s Doubles:
Winners: Reshma D'costa & Preethi D'Mello
Runners-Up: Jocelyn Pereira & Lolita Covelho
Above 45 Men’s Doubles:
Winners: Ajith D'Costa & Suneel D'Souza
Runners-Up: Mark Saldanha & Anil D'Mello
Above 45 Women’s Doubles:
Winners: Flavia D'Souza & Anitha Danthi
Runners-Up: Elizabeth Noronha & Flavia D’Souza
Mixed Doubles:
Winners: Glen D'Souza & Caroline Braina Pinto
Runners-Up: Ranson Joy Mathias & Bryne Mendonca
MCCP has whole heartedly thanked the following event sponsors:
Raphael D’Souza
Raphael Quadros (Zahrat Al Rawdha Trading)
Hansel Barboza
Jishil (Best Line Printing Press)
Priya Menezes
Herald D’Souza
Mohammed
Ashok Mathias
Abdul Rahman (Al Seer Logistics)
Arabian Food Production Company for providing Dana Eggs to all the participants
Oman Oasis Water Company
Talent Electrical Sounds
Supporters:
Joachim D’Souza - Photography
Joel Lobo - Emcee
Danish Riaz - Match Referee
Shobith - Match Referee
Mohammed Irshad - Match Referee