Media Release

Udupi, Mar 5: Decent Friends Matapady Neelavara emerged as the champions of the Matapady Premier League (MPL) Trophy, an invitational cricket tournament held in memory of the late Prabhakar Acharya. The tournament was organized by the Friends Matapady Youth Club, Brahmavar, where the Friends Matapady team secured the runners-up position. The matches took place at Gandhi Maidan in Brahmavar and were inaugurated by Sudhakar Shetty, retired headmaster of Shri Nikethan Higher Primary School.

A total of 10 invited teams participated in the tournament. Among the individual awards, Raghavendra Poojari was named the best player of the series, while Srikanth won the man of the match award. Pradeep Shetty was recognized as the best batsman, Ajith as the best bowler, Sudarshan as the best fielder, and Ankush as the best wicketkeeper. The semi-finalist teams, CFC Chantaru and Kunjalu Strikers, were also honoured.

The closing ceremony saw the felicitation of notable personalities, including Yakshagana artist Arun Nayak, state-level cricket commentator Raghavendra Acharya, and journalist and programme anchor Chetan G Poojari Matapady. The family of the late Prabhakar Acharya was also honoured. The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Padmanabha Acharya, Ashok Poojari, Chandrashekar Nayak, Abdul Saleem, Rajesh Shetty Birt, Vishwanath Shetty Matapady, Chandrashekar Nayari, Vasanti Prabhakar Acharya, Prasanna, Sandesh Poojari, Suresh N Karkera, Vijay Nayak, Subrahmanya Acharya, Joyson Banz, Ganapati Acharya, Youth Club president Sharath Nayak, treasurer Akhilesh Nayak, sports secretary Murali Nayak, Bharat Nayak, and Asfan.

Youth Club president Sharath Nayak welcomed the gathering, and the honored guests were introduced by Sharon, Ankush, and Subrahmanya Acharya. The event was skillfully hosted by Chetan Matapady, who also delivered the vote of thanks.