Bangalore: Fun, Joy, Entertainment Galore at FKCA Sports Meet
By Albina Vaz
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Nov 16: It was a day of fun, joy and merriment at the Sports Meet organized by Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations(FKCA) on on the very next day after Childrens’ Day at the St. Joseph’s Indian school ground in Bangalore on Sunday.
Arjuna Awardee A B Subbaiah, who has the rare distinction of representing Indian Hockety team for 11 consecutive years in more than 285 international matches, incluidng 2 Olympics, World Cup tournaments and 3 Asian games, declared the meet open early on Sunday morning.
Children and youngsters as well as adults and even senior citizens, but full of vigour and zeal as well as young at heart, representing different Konkani Catholic Associations from various parts of Bangalore participated in the fun-filled events which were full of competitive spirit.
It is pertinent to mention that Subbaih is presently coaching Indian Women’s Hockey Team as if to prove that women sports enthusiasts, even homemakers, do not bag behind when it comes to taking part in sports events.
There were 25 different events organized separately for men and women besides Inter-Association Cricket match for men and throw ball for women on knockout basis. There was overwhelming response and enthusiastic participation from all the associations.
Though the cloudy atmosphere and the slight drizzle early in the morning threatened to play spoilsport in the event of a heavy downpour, the skies brightened as the day progressed and the sports and games events went on without any interruption in a pleasant and sunny atmosphere.
The most attractive events were the competitions for traditional thatching of coconut leaves (modlam volchem) and knotting jasmine flowers (mogri guntchem), which attracted over 60 participants individually.
The winner of modlam volchem event was Jane Lewis from Chamarajpet Association, who was thoroughly applauded. The Mangalorean style Music Band from Kon –Cab Association was an added attraction.
The rustic atmosphere that was created with women keenly competing against each other through the modlam volchem and mogri guntchem contests created a special celebrative mood among the people. Woven coconut leaves were used by members to sit and relax on the ground in groups. Some put them beside the tracks to sit and cheers their Association participants, which added to the festive spirit.
Children were seen running around playing while their Dads were looking after the toddlers when the wives were participating. Elders were refreshing the old acquaintances.
The meet started with a Friendly Cricket Match between FKCA committee members (gents and ladies) combine and the President XI (some of the presidents were suitably replaced), in which the FKCA team won.
The fastest man/boy of the event was Neil Lobo of RT Nagar KCA and woman/girl was Jyothi Mascarenhas from Indiranagar Association.
The most watched and cheered game was women’s throw ball. Nine Associations participated and every match was a tough one. Kon-Cab emerged as the winner. However, the match between Jayanagar and Kon-Cab was a classic one. With scores 20-25, 23-25 and 25-27, there was a very tough fight for the last match point.
One of the referee for throw ball match was Asif of Amateur Throw Ball Federation of India, who has represented India in International matches.
While there was a tough fight for the finals in the Cricket match between BKCS Koramangala and CKA Dasarahalli, BKCS Koramangala emerged as the winner
In the couples game, the winners for the three-legged race were Juliet and Pascal Miranda. The brick race involving the husband placing bricks on the ground and the wife walking on them without landing on the ground, the winner was Reshma and Robert Monis. The couple who won these games were so perfect in the judgment and synchronisation in their action, that when asked how they could perform so well, they laughingly remarked: ``We follow the same formula in our married life.’’
The Rolling shield was taken by RT Nagar KCA team.
Most of the events had a tough competition and umpires/referees had very tough time in making their decisions and choosing the winners. Tony Lucas conducted efficiently all the track events. FKCA chairman led from the front participating in most of the events and getting a number of prizes.
The chief guest Subbaiah was all praise for the wonderful initiative taken by FKCA. He recalled that such events were regularly being organized in his home district of Kodagu with hockey competitions involving different families. The Hockey tournament was the main attraction and almost all the people participate. Such events surely boost the culture.