News: Hasan Yusuf and S M Basheer
Pics: Hasan Yusuf and Nazeer Bolar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait (SP)

Kuwait, Feb 26: The sports and socio-cultural affairs unit of Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA) hosted the annual inter-branch cricket tournament, ‘Kuwait Independence cup – 2009’, on Wednesday February 25, at GCC Cricket Ground in Khaitan.  KKMA is the largest expat association in Kuwait.  Hundreds of non-resident Indians including children and ladies enjoyed spectacular cricket for the whole day. 

Flag hoisting was done at 8.00 am by Satischandra Shetty, president of Kuwait Kannada Koota.  Shetty is also the managing director of Oriental Restaurant and Confectionaries group in Kuwait.   Haseeb Khan, founder and team manager of Zajil Cricket Club inaugurated the tournament by releasing colourful balloons into the sky.  Sagheer Trikaripur, chairman of KKMA, introduced KKMA activities and S M Basheer, director of KKMA sports unit delivered the welcome address.

The following 12 teams from various KKMA branches took part in the tournament in colourful attires, displaying a lovely sportsman spirit:

D K Super Stars, Hawally Team,  Khaitan XI 4, City Challengers, Abbasiya Team, Fahaheel Brothers, Salmiya Challengers, D K  Royal Challengers, Farwaniya Rockers, Reggai Stars, City Tigers and Hassawi Shining Stars.

The cricket tournament was very colourful. Inspired by the IPL concept, cheer leaders were put in place for this tournament.

The guard of honour was done by Mazhar Hussain, captain of Gujarat Cricket Club.

Two semi finals were played, between D K Royal Challengers vs Farwaniya Rockers and D K Superstars vs Abbasiya team.

D K Superstars emerged as the true champions of the tournament by beating D K Royal Challengers in the final, and won the KKMA Independence Cup – 2009. D K Superstars has succeeded in keeping its excellent track record intact by retaining this trophy for the third year in succession. D K Royal Challengers had to be content with the runners up cup.

Shaikh Waseem Waheed displayed the most exciting and power-packed game of cricket and therefore, was rightly declared as the man of the match in the final, and he also was named as the man of the series for his outstanding batting performance throughout the tournament. He was felicitated by KKMA vice chairman Akbar Siddeeque, and KKMA president N A Muneer.

The award meant for the most discplined team was won by the City Challengers Team and they were honoured by B M Iqbal, vice president KKMA socio-cultural division.  Marzook from Khaitan team was felicitated with special gifts by Abdul Fatah Tayyil, KKMA general secretary, for the first 50 individual runs of the tournament and by KKMA working president A P Salam for his magnificent six hit towards the pavilion. He was one of the star players in the tournament, who entertained the people with his hard hitting shots and masterly strokes.

The KKMA Independence – 2009 Cup was presented to the champions of the tournament D K Superstars by Mahmoud, managing director of M/s Apsara Textiles.   Sagheer Trikaripur, chairman of KKMA presented the runners up cup to the D K Royal Challengers. 

Umpires Faisal and Jamshad were felicitated by Ibrahim Kundal, KKMA vice president and by Hasan Yusuf respectively.

The programmes relating to the tournament concluded with the presentation of vote of thanks by Sagheer Trikaripur. He thanked all the teams, the organizing committee members and the main sponsor M/s Al Wassen Est.