Media Release
Bahrain, Aug 22: Every year, Monthi fest, the festival of harvest of the Konkan region, is fervently celebrated all over the world especially in the Gulf region. As always, this year round, the vibrant and proactive Konkani community has put forward many such events on the occasion under the guidance of the affable spiritual director of the Konkani community of the Sacred Heart Church, in the city and assistant parish priest Fr Darel Priwon Fernandes. Monthi Fest Cricket tournament - 2018 is one such event which was recently organized at the well known The Indian Club premises.
With the active participation of the Konkani speaking community, Sacred Heart Church here, is at the forefront in preparation for this religious festival.
Cricket is a very popular game not only in the subcontinents but also with the expatriate communities in the Gulf and in Bahrain as well. There were about 18 teams who participated in the inaugural tournament. The opening ceremony and invocation of prayers were led by the spiritual director at the venue who wished everyone an enjoyable day of cricket.
Some of the matches which played in the tournament were of the highest standard and played in an exemplary manner which kept the spectators and playing teams in good stead. The facilities at the venue were top-class so that everyone could view the match in comfort and wanting to be part of this cricket tournament.
After the league cum knock-out matches throughout the day, four topnotch teams, Sacred Heart Seniors, Namma Kudla B, Aqua Cool Friends and Belle Friends reached the semi-final stage where Namma Kudla defeating Belle Friends and the favorites Sacred Heart Seniors had the better of Aqua Cool Friends to reach the finals.
The final, which was witnessed by huge crowds was treated to some enthralling moments with superb cricketing skills exhibited by the contenders for the trophy. Towards the end, it was the turn of the all-round abilities of Namma Kudla B team who defeated Sacred Heart Seniors in a nail-biting finish to lay their hands on the coveted Monthi Fest Cricket Tournament Trophy - 2018.
The Sacred Heart Church Konkani Community, organizing committee comprising president Henry Castelino, tournament coordinator Stanly Fernandes, Hilary Tellis, Avinash Fernandes and Sujay Pinto along with other volunteers put in their best efforts to organize this tournament, which was enjoyed by all. Even the soaring temperature, the enthusiasm, the multilingual cricket commentary by Fr Darel, Thomas, Hilary, Stanly Arun and Lloyd had enabled the players and passionate cricket crowd to witness these matches in good humor. The sponsors of this tournament who came forward in support of this popular cricket tournament were greatly appreciated.
The Konkani community of Sacred Heart Church Bahrain will celebrate Monthi Fest on September 7.