Pics/Report: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 10: "As I entered the sports arena, the first thing I saw was Lord Krishna. Naturally, Gokula reminds us of Udupi Sri Krishna. A centenary celebration is a grand milestone—organizing such events is not easy, especially a two-day program. Bringing together Tulu-Kannadiga organizations for the first time is remarkable. This event has fulfilled the dream of Mumbai's Tulu-Kannadigas in fostering interfaith harmony. Gokula Sports Fest has achieved coordination success. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to BSKBA. Many organizations in Greater Mumbai are completing a century, and all should unite to organize more such events," said KD Shetty Chelladka, founder of Bhavani Shipping Pvt Ltd.

He was addressing the valedictory and prize distribution ceremony of ‘Gokula Mumbai Tulu-Kannadiga Games 2025’, organized by BSKBA Association Mumbai (Gokula) as part of its centenary celebrations. The event took place on Sunday evening at the Poinsur Gymkhana ground in Kandivali West.

Former joint secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association Dr PV Shetty was the chief guest, while Bunt Sangha Mumbai Borivali Education Committee president Ravindra S Shetty, former president of Bhandary Seva Samaj Mumbai Prabhakar P Bhandary, Ganiga Samaj Mumbai president Vijayendra V Ganiga, Karnataka Vishwakarma Association Mumbai president Ravish G Acharya, Bunt Sangha Mumbai sports committee president Shivaprasad Shetty, Bombay Bunts Association sports committee president Suresh Shetty Yeyyadi, Tiya Samaj Mumbai honorary secretary Babu Belchada, former BSKBA president Subbanna K Rao, and Poinsur Gymkhana vice president Karunakar Shetty were present as honorary guests.

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga was the star attraction and extended his best wishes to the event.

Dr PV Shetty remarked, “Suresh Rao is not an athlete; he is a doctor. I am a sportsperson and have a passion for sports. However, witnessing the enthusiasm of Suresh Rao and the Gokula team for this sports fest amazed me. May all their aspirations be fulfilled through this grand event.”

Dr Suresh Rao stated, “BSKBA aimed to unite all Tulu-Kannadigas in Mumbai on a common platform. During the Brahmakalash event of Gokula, you all participated and made it a success. Today, this sports meet has brought us together again. When we meet frequently, we can achieve great things. A large federation of organizations can accomplish significant tasks more easily. When all associations come together to discuss common goals, achieving them becomes simpler. We are confident that this sports fest will continue to encourage collective action.”

Sports Events and Winners

On Saturday, a limited-over cricket tournament was held throughout the day, featuring 16 teams. The results were as follows:

• Winners: Bunt Sangha Mumbai (Team A)
• Runners-up: Bunt Sangha Mumbai (Team B)
• Third Place: Billava Association Mumbai
• Fourth Place: Mogaveera Management Board

On Sunday, various events were held, including volleyball for men, throwball for women, tug-of-war for both men and women, and individual track-and-field events such as sprints, relay races, long jump, shot put, and race walking for different age groups.

Winners received trophies, medals, certificates, and prizes, which were distributed by the guests.

The following were the winners of key events:

• Men’s Volleyball:
• Winners: Mogaveera Management Board
• Runners-up: Bunt Sangha Mumbai
• Women’s Throwball:
• Winners: Bunt Sangha Mumbai
• Runners-up: Mogaveera Management Board
• Men’s Tug-of-War:
• Winners: Bunt Sangha Mumbai
• Runners-up: Mogaveera Management Board
• Women’s Tug-of-War:
• Winners: Bunt Sangha Mumbai
• Runners-up: Bombay Bunts Association
• March Past:
• Winners: Mogaveera Management Board
• Runners-up: Devadiga Sangha Mumbai

During the event, special felicitation was given to Praveen Shetty Warang, Jayanti Devadiga, Jaya Devadiga, Prashanth R Herle, and Sri Lakshmi P Herle.

BSKBA vice presidents Vaman N Holla and Avinash S Shastri, honorary secretary Ananth Padmanabhan K Poti, honorary treasurer CA Haridas Bhat, joint secretaries Chitra A Melmane and Y Mohanraj, joint treasurer Ganesh Bhat, and sports committee president Prashanth R Herle, along with various subcommittee heads and executive committee members, were present.