Kamalaksha Amin
Bahrain, Dec 4: Mogaveers Bahrain, the organization representing the expatriate Mogaveera community in Bahrain, successfully hosted a Pro Kabaddi tournament in memory of the late Teertha Suvarna. The event, held at the Al Ahli Club indoor stadium, captivated hundreds of attendees late into the night.
The tournament featured eight strong teams from across the island. The late Teertha Suvarna, a former vice president and an active member of Mogaveers Bahrain, made significant contributions to the organization since its inception. A passionate kabaddi player, Suvarna represented Mangalore University during his college days. He passed away two years ago, and this tournament was initiated last year in his honor.
The event, presided over by Mogaveers Bahrain president Shilpa Shamith Kunder, was conducted with remarkable precision, earning praise for its organization, on par with any international tournament. Sports secretary Rajesh Mendon, deputy sports secretary Rahul Salian, cultural secretary Sandeep Mendon, along with Prem Attavara, Sudhakar Anagalli, Ganesh Kunder, and Sahil Suvarna, were instrumental in the event's success.
A minute of silence was observed as a mark of respect for the late Teertha Suvarna. Shilpa Shamith Kunder welcomed the gathering and wished all the teams success. Teertha Suvarna’s wife, Surekha Suvarna, inaugurated the tournament by cutting the ribbon.
The tournament saw fierce competition among the eight teams, with Shivagangai, United Puttur, Friends Bahrain, and Tulunadu reaching the semifinals. The final match between Friends Bahrain and Tulunadu turned out to be a nail-biter, with Tulunadu emerging victorious. Friends Bahrain secured second place, United Puttur claimed third, and Shivagangai settled for fourth.
Individual awards were also presented:
• Best Raider: Rahul
• Best Catcher: Vaishakh
• Best All-Rounder: Puneet
• Promising Player of the Tournament: Rashid Banari
Notable kabaddi players Rashid Banari, Shameer Kadaba, and Hisham Udupi graced the event, elevating the excitement with their stellar performances.
The closing ceremony witnessed participation from leaders of various local organizations and dignitaries, who distributed prizes. The champion and runner-up teams received trophies along with cash awards, while other teams received trophies. Volunteers who contributed to the event's success were honored with mementos.