By Hasan Yusuf- Kuwait
Kuwait, Jan 5: Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association’s Sports Wings celebrated the Season by organizing its First ever Inter branch Volleyball tournament known as KKMA challengers cup 2009 on 2nd January 2009 at Indian community school Khaithan in Kuwait.
On this Friday morning, we had the sun shining brightly with breezy winds blowing and bringing the cool winter season to its peak did not deter the spirited participants of 8 Teams and also the overwhelming crowds who witnessed the tournament.
KKMA has organized several successful Socio cultural programs and activities in the past, the aim of organizing this Volley ball event is to create a sportsmanship environment among KKMA members and the spectators. Sport being a social tool, basically aims at quality life improvements and develops worthwhile and enjoyable skills required for a meaningful spare time activities. KKMA Sport Wing also encourages its members to participate in activities which helps in one's physical growth and development.
The Tournament was inaugurated by Mr. Pancly Varkey, the Country Manager, Kuwait UAE Exchange at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Ram Das, the Marketing Manager of the UAE Exchange was present . Shabir Mandoli took the guard of honor for the first match between D.K. Blue Warriors versus Abbasiya Tigers. Breakfast and Lunch was served to the participants.
The following 8 teams from various KKMA branches in Kuwait participated in this tournament:
1) D.K. Blue Warriors
2) Abbasiya Tigers
3) D.K. White Pigeon
4) Farwaniya Green Stars
5) Farwaniya Bullet Proofs
6) Hassawi Shining Stars
7) Salmiya Challenges
8) City Brothers
The Tournament was conducted in the knockout format divided into 2 pools with 4 teams in each pool. 2 teams of each pool proceeded to the semifinals. All the matches showcased immense talent and everyone was marveled by the sportsmanship of each team . The semifinal match was held between D.K.White Pigeons versus Salmiya Challengers and D.K. Blue Warriors versus Farwaniya-Bulletproof teams.
The highlight of the tournament was the final match between D.K. Blue Warriors versus Salmiya Challengers which took 5 marathon sets to decide the winner. Finally D.K. Blue Warriors won the KKMA Challengers Cup 2009 with 3-2 sets in a close fighting contest. The final match has displayed one of the best entertaining and exiting Volleyball games as both the teams had the experienced, skilled and professional players.
It was an historical moment for the KKMA Sports Wing as every one witnessed the grand success of its first ever Volleyball tournament. Sports Wing has formed KKMA Volleyball Club by selecting the best talented players from the tournament to participate in the Local Tournaments as part of KKMA Sports Mission.
The exciting day came to an end with the prize distribution ceremony. KKMA Management Committee distributed the trophies to all the winners. S.M Ilyas was awarded as the best Defending Player by Mr. Fatah (General Secretary), Shafiq was awarded as the best Offender by Mr. A.P. Salam (Working President), Majid was awarded as the Best All Rounder by Mr. N A Muneer ( President) of KKMA.
Winners Trophy was Awarded to the D.K. Blue Warriors by Mr. Sagheer (Chairman) and Salmiya Challengers were awarded by Mr. Akbar Siddiq (Vice Chairman) for the Runners Up.
KKMA Chairman has thanked all the Sponsors including “ Smile Electronics appliance & Computers” who are the main sponsors.
Match Referee Mr. Kiran Kumar was felicitated by Socio Cultural Vice President Mr. B.M Iqbal for his contribution.