News: Roy D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Qatar (SB)
Qatar, Nov 22: VolleyQ bagged the MCC-Voltas Trophy in a well fought match against Konkan Stars in the first MCC Men’s Open Volleyball Tournament played at Indian Club Grounds here on Friday November 20. The tourney was organized by Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar after a highly successful ladies throwball tournament.
MCC’s debut attempt turned the IC Grounds into an exhilarating arena of explosive sports action from the nine participating teams namely Tulu Koota, Euro, VolleyQ, Konkan Stars, Fashion Line, Indian Club, ATS, Al-Sadd Bros and the home team MCC.
The main sponsor of the tournament was Gulf Incon who sponsored the coveted MCC Voltas Cup and all nine teams put up a good show, in their endeavour to bag the prestigious trophy.
The first session commenced at 7 am and was played until 10.30 am. The second session resumed at 2 pm and culminated with the finals and the prize distribution ceremony. The teams played each other in a knock-out session. The match to determine the third position was played between Fashion Line and Euro. Fashion Line won the match.
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The finalists, Volley Q & Konkan Stars were introduced to the chief guest Ganesh Srinivasan, general manager of Gulf Incon and the guest of honour K M Varghese, president of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Doha.
The final between VolleyQ and Konkan Stars was very exciting and the spectators thoroughly enjoyed themselves. VolleyQ, having defeated ATS in the knock-out match and later stunned Fashion Line 3-0 in the semi-final entertained the spectators with their smashes and powerful serves and went on to win the MCC-Voltas Cup convincingly with a score of 3-1. Konkan Stars put up a good fight managing to clinch one game in their favour. Konkan Stars had earlier reached final defeating MCC in the knock-out match and then defeated Euro in the semi-final.
Reena Castelino, cultural secretary, emceed the programme. Flower bouquets were presented to the guests as a token of appreciation. The president of MCC, Alwyn D’Souza gave the welcome address.
Srinivasan in his speech appreciated and commended MCC’s efforts in organizing various sporting events for the community. He reiterated his support and patronage to the next MCC-conducted volleyball tournament.
Cyril D’Souza, sports secretary of MCC, proposed the vote of thanks. Roy D’Souza, joint sports secretary conducted the prize distribution ceremony. K M. Varghese presented silver medals to the first runner-up, Konkan Stars and Jerry D’Mello, founder member, presented bronze medals to the second runner-up Fashion Line.
Ganesh Srinivasan presented gold medals and the prestigious MCC-Voltas Cup to the winners of the first MCC Open Volleyball Tournament 2009, VolleyQ. In addition to the medals, all the winners and the runners-up went home with luxurious VIP Strolleys sponsored by Gulf Incon.
The other sponsors who lent support to the tournament were Gulf International Enterprises, Safa Waters, Nadec and Qatar Kentz. Referees Nazeer K and Premnath did a fantastic job as they officiated tirelessly showing great passion and dedication. Exciting commentary was provided by Annette Venkat and Abdul Salam. Jacinta Mendonca and Ronald Rodrigues were the official scorers.
MCC’s highly capable and efficient team of volunteers provided their support in the form of scoring, commentary and lines keeping. It was once again a feather in the cap for MCC who successfully organized yet another wonderful tournament.