Media Release
Dubai, Jun 5: Viking Warriors Hospet, along with sponsors Planet Air, proudly organized the first-ever inter-parish under arm cricket tournament - Planet Air Trophy 2024, on June 1, at Abu Hail Scout Mission Ground in Dubai, UAE. The event witnessed active participation from 32 teams of various parishes of Mangalore and Udupi diocese, making it a resounding success.
The tournament adopted a league format, providing ample opportunities for teams to showcase their talent and spirit of sportsmanship. Amidst the fervor and excitement, teams battled it out on the cricket field, displaying their skills, teamwork, and unwavering determination.
The inauguration and blessing ceremony, conducted by Fr Maxim D'Silva (OFM Cap), provincial administrator, Bengaluru, marked the auspicious beginning of the tournament. Fr D'Silva's words of encouragement and blessings set the tone for a spirited competition. The blessings of the Lord Almighty were invoked by Roy D'Souza through a prayer hymn.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Joseph Matias, coordinator of St Mary's Mangalorean Community Dubai, Alwyn Cutinho, coordinator of St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community, Sharjah, Adith Lobo, coordinator of Jebel Ali Konkani Community, and Preshal Saldanha, whose presence added prestige and enthusiasm to the occasion.
The inauguration ceremony was masterfully conducted by Melita D'lima, ensuring a seamless and memorable start to the tournament proceedings.
After intense rounds of competition, St Sebastian Church, Permannur emerged as the champions of the tournament. The first runner-up trophy was bagged by Holy Cross Church, Taccode, while St Antony Church, Kulur secured the second runner-up position.
Achievers
Man of the Match Final: Nishan Lobo, Permannur
Best batter of the tournament: Ravi Steven, Mudipu
Best Bowler of the tournament : Prashanth D'Souza, Kulur
Man of the series : Prashanth D'Souza, Kulur
The tournament was a celebration of unity, camaraderie, and the spirit of sportsmanship, bringing together members of the community in a shared love for cricket.
Viking Warriors Hospet Core Committee member Donald Noronha extended heartfelt gratitude to all participating teams, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators for their invaluable support in making the Planet Air Trophy 2024 a memorable and successful event.
Viking Warriors Hospet core committee members Vishal Mendonca, Wilson Cutinho, Deril D'Souza, Joshwa D'Souza, Rencilla D'Souza, Alwyn Cutinho, and Loyal Nazareth distributed prizes to the winners.
The time management was praised by all the participants, as core committee, along with ground-in-charge Lloyd Rodrigues, Desmond Noronha, as well as Presley D;Souza, who took the lead of line officials, ensured timely completion.
David Noronha compered the valedictory programme.
For more information and updates on upcoming events, please visit Viking Warriors Hospet's social media page: https://www.instagram.com/viking_warriors_hospet?igsh=eTh3aWRxZWlnbWYx