Report & Pics: Oswald M D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Jan 26: Bunts Dubai ladies throw ball team and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha Men's throw ball teams won the prestigious 2013 Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Trophy in a spectacular manner at the imposing Abu Dhabi Indian School premises on Friday January 25.
The thrilling ladies final encounter between Bunts Dubai and Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha and the gents contest between Karnataka Sangha and the Bunts Dubai was indeed breathtaking.
It was one of the best finals ever played so far in this prestigious tournament since its inception. It was a nail biting tournament with ups and downs, which was nerve-racking, thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators.
The tournament was played on league basis. Each group consisted of four teams. The winners with highest points from each group were selected for the semi-finals.
The Bunts Dubai Ladies gave a tough fight to the Karnataka Sangha Ladies and proved their superiority over the other participating teams with their team game and discipline and established themselves as the undisputed champions of UAE. They won the trophy which they rightly deserved.
The Gents Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha team was also equally superior to their opponents displaying their talents and discipline in the court challenging the opponents in their every move.
The prestigious Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Ladies Throw Ball Tournament is held every year in the month of January, in memory of Koosamma Shambu Shetty, mother of Padmashree Dr B R Shetty of NMC Group. The tournament is becoming popular year after year since its inception in 1989. Several teams participate in this prestigious tournament and is played in a friendly ambiance.
This year there were eight teams each in both categories to grab the coveted trophies. The teams included Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, K C O, Abu Dhabi, Mangalore Konkans – Dubai, Konkans Dubai, the Moghveers – UAE, SMMKC – Sharjah, Bunts – Dubai and the Pacific Stars.
All the participating teams played exciting games in their encounters vying for the top place.
Earlier in the morning the tournament was declared open by Padmashree Dr B R Shetty and his wife Dr Chandrakumari B R Shetty by releasing the colourful balloons along with the ladies team captains and symbolically passing the throw ball.
The oath taking ceremony was led by Sheila Sudhir Kumar Shetty along with the participating teams.
The running commentary was given by Vinod Shetty in his own unique style which was appreciated by one and all.
The tournament was officiated by Annette Menezes (Pinku), Jaipal, Dey and Satish Shetty who did a commendable job.
The success of the tournament goes mainly due to the extraordinary efforts of veteran Sarvotham Shetty – president of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, whose untiring dedication and love for the game has gained affection of large number of people. Sarvotham who is a popular figure in UAE and known for his simplicity was instrumental for the tremendous success of this exciting tournament. He was ably assisted by his dedicated Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha Committee members.
The well organized and keenly contested tournament with discipline and sportsmen spirit by participating teams should be commended.
The prize distribution was held at the Abu Dhabi Indian School premises attended by large crowd and distinguished guests.
Lunch was served for the participating teams and the spectators – courtesy Padmashree Dr B R Shetty and his family.
The final results were as follows:
Ladies
First semi finals – Bunts Dubai defeated Konkans – Dubai
Second semi final – Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha defeated Mangalore Konkans - Dubai
Finals: Bunts Dubai defeated Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Men
First semi finals – UAE Bunts defeated Konkans – Dubai
Second semi final: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha defeated KCO – Abu Dhabi
Finals: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha defeated Bunts Dubai.
Other Winners
Ladies
Best striker: Latha Shetty
Best defence: Shakeela
Best all rounder: Sneha Pravin Kumar
Gents
Best striker: Ranjeet Shetty
Best defence: Kishore Shetty
Best all rounder: Guru Prasad Bhandary
The tournament was well organized and concluded without any controversy. The spectators encouraged all participating teams by cheering and applauding, thoroughly enjoying themselves.