Report: Noel Cutinha, Kuwait
Kuwait, May 7: Volleyball stars Anup D'Costa from Kundapur and Ashwin Rai from Beltangady will play in the volleyball tournament jointly organised by Blessen George Foundation International (BGFI) and Kuwait Volleyball Association (KVA). The three-day tournament in Kuwait will be held from May 10 to 12 at the Fahaheel Sporting Club’s Indoor Stadium in Mangaf.
Anup D'Costa, Ashwal Rai
Naveen Raja, Ukkrapandian, Vaishnav, Jose, Sarath
Matches will start 6 pm everyday for the convenience of volleyball fans. Six teams including Kuwait national senior team, two top Kuwaiti clubs and three Indian club teams comprising the best players currently playing for Indian national/state teams and top clubs in India will test their skills in the tournament. Entry for the tournament is absolutely free.
Anup D'Costa, a Kundapur boy who rose to fame for the highest approach jump in Asia, has represented India in the U-21 and U-23 FIVB World Cup in Iran and Turkey. He was adjudged best scorer of the World Cup tournament. He has also played for the senior national team. He is also a regular member of Karnataka state team and a very familiar in national and international tournaments. He plays in universal attacker position and is known as 'Flying Tiger' due to his fabulous jumps and aggressive spiking ability. The Karnataka government awarded him the prestigious Ekalavya Award in 2015.
Ashwal Rai, the 6.7 ft tall Beltangady boy, is one of the best center blockers in India at present. He represented India in U23 FIVB World Cup held in Myanmar. He missed out representing Indian senior volleyball team due to injury at the coaching camp. Ashwal Rai is also part of Karnataka state volleyball team.
The tournament will witness the presence of star players of Kuwait national team and Indian national team players Naveen Jacob Raja (India’s best jump server), Vaishnav (India's number one center blocker), Ukkrapandian (India's number one setter) who will also be playing in the tournament. Kerala state-level players like Jose Jacob and Sarath, Tamil Nadu state players Piraisoodan and Prabhakaran are also playing for Boubyan Strikers Volleyball Kuwait.
The Mangaf indoor stadium has comfortable seating arrangements. Family audience and bachelors will be provided separate seating arrangements. Large car parking space is available outside the stadium. Refreshment stall will be available throughout the tournament.
Blessen George Foundation International is known for conducting volleyball tournaments of the highest standards in many parts of the world. Volleyball fans should not miss this golden opportunity to witness the mega event where Indian and Kuwaiti volleyball stars will test their skills.