Dubai: Indian women Lift Invitation Cup Throwball
by Denzil Fernandes
Pics by Ashok Belman - Gulf Kannadiga
Dubai, Oct 24: Displaying superior technique and fine courtcraft, the visiting Indian women’s throwball team outplayed all opposition to win the Invitation Cup Throwball Tournament held at the Dulsco Sports Arena in Al Quos on Friday. In the finals, the visitors beat Mangalore Konkans Dubai in 2 straight sets to lift the handsome trophy.
Besides the visitors who thrilled the spectators with their grand display, 3 local teams from Bunts Dubai, Canarites and Mangalore Konkans Dubai also took part in the day long tournament. But the visitors were in for a rude shock when the local Bunts Dubai surprised them by beating them much to the dismay of the spectators. Mangalore Konkans Dubai qualified for the finals by virtue of their wafer thin win against a strong Canarites team who were unlucky not to reach the finals. In the league phase, the Indian girls won 2 of their matches easily before being surprised by Bunts Dubai although the result was inconsequential. Mangalore Konkans Dubai won their two matches against Canarites and Bunts Dubai to qualify for the finals.
The inaugural tournament organized by the Dubai Chapter of the Asian Throwball Federation was well attended. The Secretary General of the Indian Throwball Federation Mr. Ramannna and the Hon Secretary of the Bangalore District Throwball Association, Mr. Narasimha Reddy arrived from India with the Indian team for the tournament.
Flavy Mathias of Canarites, Prescilla D’Souza of Mangalore Konkans Dubai and Shashi Shetty of Bunts Dubai were given special medals for their impressive display in the tournament.
The winners and runners up received attractive trophies, cups, medals and certificates signed by the officials of the Throwball Federation of India and the Dubai Chapter.
Referees included Gilbert Aranha, Ivan Qadros, Narasimha Reddy and Marina Menezes. President of the Dubai Chapter, C.R.Shetty and the Secretary General Denzil Fernandes ensured the success of the tournament along with the cooperation of several other officials that included Daya Kirodian (treasurer), Manohar Hegde (Committee Member), Chandrasekhar, Tantry, Satish, Shashidhar, Jayant and many others.