Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Apr 27: Wogo FC Ullal have won the two-day Champions Trophy football tournament organized by Bajpe Royals Football Club at St Joseph's PU College, Bajpe here.
The winners received the Champions Trophy from sports and youth services minister Abhaychandra Jain during the valedictory ceremony held at the venue on Tuesday April 27 evening.
In an action-packed final held on Tuesday evening, Wogo FC Ullal defeated the hosts, Bajpe Royals Football Club, 1-0 to clinch the trophy.
Addressing the gathering, Abhaychandra Jain said, "After the Siddaramaiah government came to power, more emphasis has been given to sports. As Bajpe Royals Football Club has organised this tournament in an extraordinary manner, it will be rewarded Rs 1 lac from the department of sports.
"The government has sanctioned the turf for a football stadium next to Nehru Maidan at a cost of Rs 1 one crore, and Rs 25 lac has already been sanctioned in this regard. A world-class swimming pool will soon come up in Yemmekere at a cost of Rs 5 crore," he informed.
"Sports helps you remain active. Even though I am 66 now, I am active only because I play badminton daily. I call upon every youth to take part in one or the other sport on a daily basis," he added.
Vice-president of Karnataka Football Association Vijaya Suvarna said, "I feel extremely happy that the state-level tournament has been organised in a rural area like Bajpe in such a systematic way. When it comes to women's football, Bajpe St Joseph's Institution has always given players who have shone at state and national levels. Even the men's teams are doing well. I wish that the talents from Bajpe reach greater heights."
Parish priest of Bajpe Fr Leo Lobo and principal of St Joseph's Institution Br Hector Lobo also spoke on the occasion.
Secretary of the Bajpe Royals Football Club Shariq welcomed the gathering while president Leswin Moras rendered the vote of thanks.
President of Lions Club, Mangaluru Netravati Mandakini, taluk panchayat member Usha Suvarna, Bajpe gram panchayat president Rosy Mathias were present.
Following players received special honours:
Player of the Tournament - Fakiz from Wogo FC
Best Striker - Azad, Bajpe Royals Football Club
Best Midfielder - Aflal from Bajpe Royals Football Club
Best Defender - Ayub, Wogo FC
Best Goal keeper - Naufal, Wogo FC
Earlier in the day, the tournament was inaugurated at St Joseph's PU College grounds by president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino by pouring colours into a jar and later planting the flag of the organising club over the various layers of colours.
Addressing the gathering, he said, "The members of Bajpe Royal Football Club have done a marvelous job in organizing the football tournament in the IPL season. The mixing of colours that we did today symblise the mixing of talents. True sportsmanship lies in forgetting our differences and showing our unity. May this tournament help us come together and instill discipline among the youngsters."
Parish priest of Bajpe Church Fr Leo Lobo said, "This ground has always been the center of football activities in Bajpe. The main reason for this is the importance given to football in this institution. I wish good luck to all the participants."
Principal of St Joseph's Institutions Br Hector Lobo said, "Football has been a key sport in Bajpe since 1970. It is an astonishing fact that it is on the verge of becoming the number one sport in the district. It brings people of all religions together."
President of Bajpe gram panchayat Rosy Mathias said, "I appreciate the initiative taken by Bajpe Royals Football Club in organising the event and wish good luck to the participants."
President of the Club Leswin Moras welcomed the gathering while secretary Shariq rendered the vote of thanks. The dignitaries also distributed school stationery donated by the Club to needy students.
ZP member Vasanthi Kishor along with guests Sachin Crasta, Richard Monteiro, Oswald Pinto, and Hilda Castelino were present.
The tournament was an open-to-all event with 20 teams from the district participating.