Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Jan 21: The Safalya Sports Meet–2026 was held on January 18 at Poinsur Gymkhana, Kandivali West, under the presidentship of Srinivas Safalya, president of Safalya Seva Sangha. The event began in the morning with a march past, followed by lighting of the lamp and prayers.
Chief guest Vignesh Manjeshwar, entrepreneur and Tigers International Logistics, said the organisation has witnessed significant growth under the leadership of Srinivas Safalya. Recalling that his elders had earlier served the organisation, he said he was happy to now be associated with it and get an opportunity to contribute. The participation of children, elders and a large number of women reflected unity, he said, and congratulated all participants while wishing that such programmes continue regularly.
Guest Naresh Devadiga, vice president of Devadiga Sangha Mumbai, said the contribution of the younger generation is crucial for the growth of organisations, making them stronger. In today’s fast-paced life, dedicating some time to physical activity and participating in sports helps maintain mental balance, he added, congratulating all competitors. Mohan Manjeshwar also congratulated the participants.
Addressing the gathering, Srinivas Safalya said victory and defeat are the foundations of life. Analysing one’s failures teaches valuable lessons for the future, while winners should sharpen their goals further and prepare for the next success. Those who lose after winning and those who win after losing become the creators of their own life stories, he said, adding that life itself is a game and family life is a continuous match. He wished that such collective sporting events strengthen bonds and help the organisation grow.
On the occasion, young talents from the Safalya community — national athlete Mari Khushi (table tennis) and Kumari Rashi Harish Suvarna (national throwball champion) — were felicitated in the presence of dignitaries.
Jivansi Ryan, executive president of the sports wing, explained the competition rules and the organisation’s activities. Joint secretaries Kiran Kumar and Aishwarya compered the programme. Kum Shreya and Kum Anvitha introduced the guests and awardees.
Women’s wing president Lakshmi Mandonn, youth wing president Kum Sandhya Putran, vice president Krishna Kumar Bangera, treasurer Hemanth Palig, Kala Bangera, Rathika Safalya, Vrishti Saliyan, Satish Putran, Vandana Putran, Shobha Bangera, Prathibha Safaliga, Meenakshi Sapaliga, Satish Kumar, Jagannath Karkera, Santosh Kumar and Kavitha Putran extended cooperation.
Mallika Sapaliga, Mahesh Bangera and Hemanth Palig were honoured for their support to the programme. Secretary Bhaskar Sapaliga proposed the vote of thanks.
Special attractive gifts were presented to the first 200 members who registered for the sports meet. A quiz programme for senior citizens on general knowledge was also held, with special prizes awarded.