Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 15: After the resounding success of Kudlothsava 2025 in Bahrain earlier this month, the festival is set to make a landmark entry into Mangaluru with a unique and massive Auto-drivers’ Cricket Tournament on May 18.
Conceived by Anand Lobo from Bahrain, who has been promoting Mangaluru’s rich culture for over 25 years across the globe through Kudlothsava, the initiative now aims to honour the city's hardworking rickshaw drivers with a day dedicated to cricket, camaraderie, and celebration.
For the first time in history, Mangaluru will witness 720 auto-drivers participating in a single-day cricket tournament, spread across six prominent grounds in the city: Nehru Maidan, Kadri Ground, Yemmekere Maidan, Kavoor Shantinagar, Bondel Ground, and Padua Ground.
Only rickshaw drivers holding a valid driver’s ID are eligible to participate. A total of 48 teams, grouped under 8 franchise banners, will compete across the grounds. Each team consists of 15 members, and 8 teams will play at each venue.
Participating Franchises:
- Kudla Tigers
- Kudla Lions
- Kudla Cheetahs
- Kudla Falcons
- Kudla Dragons
- Kudla Panthers
- Kudla Bulls
- Kudla Phoenix
The matches will be held from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, culminating in a grand finale and prize distribution ceremony at Nehru Maidan in the evening. Dignitaries including ministers, MPs, MLAs, and other prominent personalities are expected to grace the event.
Prize Details:
- Winning team on each ground: Rs 15,000 + Trophy
- Runners-up on each ground: Rs 10,000 + Trophy
- Man of the Final (each ground): Rs 2,500 + Trophy
- Total prize money: Rs 1.5 lac
Adding a cultural flair to the sporting event, a dance competition featuring Mangaluru-based dance troupes will also be held during the grand finale.
- Dance competition winner: Rs 20,000
- Runner-up: Rs 10,000
Organizers believe this tournament is not just a cricket match but a humanitarian tribute to the efforts of auto-drivers, offering them a day of recognition and joy through sport and celebration.
Kudlothsava continues its mission of showcasing the spirit of Mangaluru, this time by turning the spotlight on those who tirelessly serve the city’s commuters every day.