Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Nov 23: South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA), a socio-cultural association affiliated to Indian Embassy, Qatar hosted their first-ever ‘Peace Trophy-2014’ Kabaddi tournament at the Al Jazeera Academy School playground, Doha here on Friday November 21.
Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) emerged champions, beating SKMWA in the finals. Tulu Koota, MCC, KSQ, KMCA, ISF, and the host SKMWA were the teams that participated in the event.
SKMWA president Abdul Majeed welcomed the gathering. Chief guest of the inagraual function ICC president Girish Kumar addressed the gathering and greeted the participating teams. He also he assured his support to the upcoming events of SKMWA.
Sports secretary Karim conducted the oath-taking ceremony for the teams. Shoaib Ahmed, general secretary of SKMWA hosted the session while and multi-talented Abdul Salam announced the fixtures of the tournament. Senior citizen and prominent personality in Qatar Abdul Hye was the guest of honour and Karnataka-based association presidents - Ravi Shetty of TQ, Prakash Ajilla of Bunts Qatar, Niyaz Ahmed of KMCA, Asmath Ali of KWA, vice-president Nageshwar Rao of KSQ, Daijiworld director and sports secretary of MCC Alexis Castelino were present on the dias for the opening ceremony. The guests were welcomed with bouquets. The tournament was inaugurated by symbolically releasing doves.
Matches were played as a league and top two teams from each group qualified for the semi-finals. From A group SKMWA and MCC, and from B group KSQ and KMCA marched into the semi-finals.
The most-awaited final was played between Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) and South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA). KSQ won the title with a margin of 26 points. (35-9). The final matches were played for 15 minutes each with two sessions whereas all other league matches were played for 10 minutes with two sessions each.
For the prize distribution ceremony in the evening, ICBF president Aravind Patil was the chief guest, and Milan Arun was the guest of honour. Main sponsor of the tournament EURO Parts managing director Abdulla Monu, Fashion Line managing director Nasir, and general manager of Pallonji Qatar Chidananda Naik were also present.
SKMWA president Abdul Majeed welcomed the gathering. Chief guest of the evening ICBF president Arvind Patil congratulated the winning teams as well as SKMWA on organizing such a great event to support the kabaddi players. Guest of honour Milan Arun addressed the gathering and congratulated both the teams. SKMWA president handed over financial support to ICBF president Arvind Patil for a child back home. The financial support was given by Chidananda Naik through SKMWA.
The winner's trophy was handed over by the main sponsor Abdulla Monu and Nasir of Fashoin Line while Ravi Shetty, Deepak Shetty, Norbert Corda, Prakashchandra Ajila, Divakar Poojary and Asmath Ali distributed prizes to the winners.
The winning KSQ team comprised Suhail (captain), Razak, Nawaz, Iqbal, Yusuf, Nazir, Sahad, Kamaro, Riyaz and Razak Kodi. The team manager was Anil Boloor.
SKMWA runners-up team comprised Mohammad Mansoor (captain), Abdul Azeel, Nayan Kumar, Ismail Ziyad, Suhail Gangulli, Rasheed Abdullah, Badrudeen, Mohammed Ashraf, Mohammed Haneef and Raheem Abdul. The team manager was Nasir of Fashion Line.
The ‘best raider’ of the tournament was Suhail of KSQ, and the ‘player of the tournament’ award was bagged by Nayan Kumar of SKMWA, while the award for the ‘best catcher’ of the tournament went to Razak of KSQ.
The talented Abdul Salam, Madhu and Karim kept the audience entertained with their running commentary while the score panel was controlled by Sandesh Anand, Sunil and Nitesh D. The sound system was provided by Anil Boloor.
The referee panel was led by J Antony and assisted by Stesan, Jafer and Rifaz. The first aid medical team was led by Rehman Bantwal.
Shoaib Ahmed compered the prize distribution ceremony while prominent member and past president of the Association Mohammed Shameem concluded the event with the vote of thanks.
Lucky draw was conducted by Abdul Salam. The coupons were picked by Milan Arun.
All Karnataka-based association presidents and executive committee members were present to witness the tournament. Hundreds of Kabaddi lovers gathered at the venue to watch their favourite teams in action.