Media Release
Sharjah, Nov 14: Konkan Yuva’s ‘Khel Mhel 2024’ brought together the UAE’s Konkani community for a spectacular day of games, culture, and fun. The highly awaited family sports fest, Khel Mhel 2024 - Renvecha Uskyar Mathiyeche Khel, lived up to its promise of an unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and fun. Held at the Wanderers Sports Club in Sharjah, the event attracted over 4,000 members of the UAE’s majorly Konkani Catholic community for a fun-filled day packed with sports, entertainment, and cultural pride.
Under the tagline 'Revecha Uskyar Mathiyeche Khel', Khel Mhel 2024 transported participants back to their childhood. The vibrant atmosphere, lively brass band, and thrilling competitions made the event a grand success, marking it as a key event on the Konkani community calendar in the UAE.
Founded in February 2005, Konkan Yuva has been committed to providing a ‘home away from home’ for Konkani youth in the UAE. Guided by the spiritual leaders at St Mary’s Church, Dubai, the organization has hosted numerous events that have fostered connection and celebration within the community.
Highlights of the event:
Inaugural celebrations:
The day began with a spectacular opening ceremony, featuring the vibrant Konkan Tara Brass Band, alongside side executive committee of Konkan Yuva for the year 2023-2025 led grand March Past of 32 teams. The theme ‘Amso Ganv – Amchi Samkriti’ (Our Land, Our Culture) was proudly displayed as teams of enthusiastic participants marched in creative procession, symbolizing the unity and heritage of the Konkani community. The inaugural programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Fr Victor Fernandes, who was honorary president for the ceremony. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Shimoga diocese blessed the event and prayed for its success. Joseph Mathais, the SMMC coordinator, Pradeep Barboza, the acclaimed movie director and Konkani actor, Joel Crasta, owner Broadway Events, Alveera Fernandes, owner MIKA Technical LLC and Ronald Martis, owner Blue Royal group, Manoj Vas, owner Resort Supplies, James Mendonca from Reliable fabricators LLC, Lancy D’Souza owner Leyton Shipping LLC and True Events LLC, Wilfred Mathias, owner of Premier Advertising LLC, ‘Konkani Mogi’ Nelson Rodrigues and Sobha Mendonca, together, these distinguished individuals made the inaugural ceremony a truly memorable and impactful occasion being the guest of honour. Denzil Moras, president of Konkan Yuva, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. Prashanth D’Costa, the sports secretary, led the pledge-taking ceremony, encouraging all participants to uphold fairness and honesty. The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by Ivy Melisha, secretary, Konkan Yuva.
Sports & competitions
With over 480 participants competing across thrilling games such as Tug of War, Moonwalk, Relay Races, and Dumbe Challenge, Human caterpillar, Pyramid Build, Dog and the bone, the Khel Mhel 2024 sports competitions were a blend of fun and friendly rivalry. The Googlys, Club Magic, Morning Star, Leyton Tigers, Team Shalom, Namma Kudla, Dream Star, Team Titans, Kinnigoli Friends, United Angelore, Rolex Shalom, Friends Dubai, United Loretto Friends(ULF (UNITED LORETTO FRIENDS)), SMKV Stars, Leyton Shipping Team AB, JAKC, Loretto Friends, Merit Freight, Tru Events Team AB, Our Own Cluster, Flyway Mathikatte United, Globelink West Star Shipping, Resort Supplies Dubai, Mogarnad Aces, Team Sunshine, Mangalore Lions, Storm Bringers, Team Amigos, Kudla Maniacs, Amchi Mangis, and DIP United were the teams who raced for the champions trophy, each bringing their A-game in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. The day-long competitions provided intense action while fostering unforgettable moments of teamwork.
Mini Khel Mhel
A highlight for the younger generation, the Mini Khel Mhel 2024 offered kids under 17 a chance to shine in age-specific categories. With over 200 children participating in various games, the event was a great success, giving young participants an opportunity to bond with the peers. Elson Hirgan led the games in mini Khel Mhel area.
Cultural and entertainment extravaganza
The event was not just about sports. The cultural celebration was in full swing, with vibrant performances and engaging activities throughout the day. The Fancy Fete added a touch of whimsy, featuring fun games like Car Race, Cola Ke Gala, and Hit the Devil. Cultural showcases included traditional coconut leaf mat-making (Modla Volche Spordo), slow cycle races, and displays of traditional Konkani vessels and tools, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Konkani community.
Music played a key role in the festivities, with live performances keeping the crowd energized throughout the day. DJ Wilson and DJ Norman brought the lively entertainment environment with their charming music. The cultural programme ‘Ya Ya Mayaya’ featured a spectacular line-up of performances that highlighted Konkani music, dance, and tension free evening. One of the most heart-warming moments of the evening was the performance by 126 children from various nationalities, singing together in a stunning display of unity in one language, Konkani.
Food fiesta
The aroma of Mangalorean delicacies filled the air as attendees enjoyed a wide array of food stalls, including Udupi Restaurant and Coastal Butlers, serving delicious Mangalurean fare. Other treats included mandarian momos and chats by Coastal Delicacies, Fresh juices by Kudla Restaurant, popcorn, mocktails and sweet corn by New Era Events – catering to all tastes and making sure no one went hungry.
Khel Mhel Live Band and Baila
To wrap up the day, the Khel Mhel Live Band set the stage for an energetic musical concert. With performances by renowned artists such as Darrel Mascarenhas, Alwyn Dominic Fernandes, Palma Pereira and Carol Priya Danthy, Prashanth Sequeira, Kiran Rodrigues, the crowd danced and swayed to lively baila rhythms, bringing the day to a joyous conclusion.
After a day filled with fierce competition and sportsmanship, the title of Khel Mhel 2024 Champions was claimed by Leyton Shipping Team AB, who triumphed with outstanding performances across multiple events. Hot on their heels, ULF (United Loretto Friends) secured a well-deserved second place, while the intense friendly rivalry between Team Shalom and Merit Freight resulted in an exciting tie for third place.
Valedictory programme & felicitations
The event concluded with a heart-warming valedictory ceremony, where the day’s outstanding athletes and participants were honoured. The ceremony was presided over by Fr Victor Fernandes, spiritual director of Konkan Yuva, who delivered a moving address, reflecting on the success of Khel Mhel 2024 and the spirit of unity that permeated the event. Special tributes were also paid by Konkan Yuva to three exceptional artistes Juliet Serrao, Arthur Pereira and Floyd Kiran, who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Konkani culture. In addition, the winners of the various competitions were presented with their well-deserved prizes, celebrating their hard work and sportsmanship.
The most awaited results of sports from the event as follows:
1. March Fast:
• 1st Place: Resort Supplies - RSGT
• 2nd Place: Friends Dubai
• 3rd Place: Namma Kudla
• 4th Place: Our Own Cluster
2. Tug of War:
• 1st Place: Leyton Shipping Team AB
• 2nd Place: Flyway Mathikatte United
• 3rd Place: Mangalore Lions and Team Shalom
3. Dog and the Bone (Soppu Ata):
• 1st Place: Leyton Shipping Team AB and Merit Freight
• 3rd Place: Mangalore Lions and Club Magic
4. Relay Race:
• 1st Place: DIP United
• 2nd Place: Team Titans
• 3rd Place: Resort Supplies - RSGT
• 4th Place: Leyton Shipping Team AB
5. Stick Walk:
• 1st Place: Team Titans
• 2nd Place: Team Shalom
• 3rd Place: Amigos Familia
• 4th Place: Merit Freight
6. Moonwalk Race:
• 1st Place: Merit Freight
• 2nd Place: Flyway Mathikatte United
• 3rd Place: ULF (United Loretto Friends)
• 4th Place: Friends Dubai
7. Human Caterpillar Race:
• 1st Place: Leyton Shipping Team AB
• 2nd Place: Team Shalom
• 3rd Place: Our Own Cluster
• 4th Place: Mangalore Lions
8. Pyramid Building Challenge:
• 1st Place: ULF (United Loretto Friends)
• 2nd Place: Team Mogarnad
• 3rd Place: Aces
• 4th Place: The Googlys
9. Dumbe Challenge:
• 1st Place: ULF (United Loretto Friends)
• 2nd Place: Tru Events Team AB
• 3rd Place: Friends Dubai
• 4th Place: The Googlys
Fair Play Award:
• Winner: DIP United
The WhatsApp contest winner for highest views was Neelesh from Storm Bringers and the most creative video creation contest title was bagged by Flyway Matthikatte United.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Joseph Mathias (owner, Joseph Mathias), Lancy D’Souza (owner, Leyton Shipping LLC and Tru Events LLC), Dinesh Correa (owner, Falcon Trackers), and Rupesh Pinto (owner, Ryzen GULF (United Loretto Friends) International LLC), who all joined Fr Victor in honouring the winners and contributing to the festive atmosphere. With their words of encouragement and recognition, the valedictory program added the perfect closing note to an event filled with joy, camaraderie, and cultural pride.
The atmosphere was filled with joy as participants and spectators alike shared in the celebration of talent, teamwork, and tradition, bringing Khel Mhel 2024 to a memorable close with fun baila dance all over the ground. The event was compered by Vernon, Roshan and Uttham. Kevin Sequeira, assistant treasurer, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in making the event a success and formally concluded the proceedings.
Day of unity, joy and community spirit
The success of Khel Mhel 2024 was not just about the games or the food, but about the shared sense of belonging it fostered within the Konkani community. With participants from different walks of life, the event truly reflected the spirit of togetherness that defines the Konkan Yuva family.
“We are incredibly proud of the success of Khel Mhel 2024,” said the event sponsors, well-wishers and leaders in the community. “This event is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the Konkani community in the UAE. The joy, laughter, and energy we witnessed today is a reminder of the importance of celebrating our culture and coming together as one family. We are grateful to everyone who participated and supported us in making this event a memorable one.”
Konkan Yuva extended its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, and participants who contributed to the success of Khel Mhel 2024. This year’s event has set the bar high, asthey look forward to continuing this tradition of unity, fun, and celebration for many years to come.