Report and pics from: P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Riyadh (SP)

Riyadh, May 11: As usual, JF Riyadh Unit organized its annual Cricket Tournament along with Safa Makkah Polyclinics, Riyadh last Friday.  The final match of the Safa Makkah-sponsored JF Cricket Cup 2009 proved to be a fitting finale to the tournament, when Suralpady XI emerged as the champion by defeating MD Moodbidiri by 13 runs in a keenly contested grand finale.

After winning the toss, MD decided to field first but Suralpady XI managed to score 139 runs in the allotted 12 overs. Chasing the target, MD was restricted to a score of 126 runs. Amir and Abdul Rehman of Suralpady XI picked three wickets each, while Zahid of MD scored a quick-fire 41 runs.

Rajeev Shahre, deputy chief of the Mission, Indian embassy, graced the event and presented the winner award.  Main sponsor of the event was Safa Makkah Polyclinics, who presented the runners up trophy. Mohammed Shaji Aritra, managing director of Safa Makkah supported the event.

Jam’iyyatul Falah, a charity organization based in the coastal region of Karnataka, is engaged in charitable work of uplifting the downtrodden community members, with education as its main focus.  Abdul Lathif, vice president of the organization, briefed the activities of Jam’iyyatul Falah, which involves providing scholarships to poor and deserving students, managing the schools, school for dropouts and providing health facilities and other basic needs. Akhter Shaikh welcomed the gathering and Khasim Ahmed said, sports are such a thing which can melt all the barriers of caste, creed and colour. He also appreciated the participation of Rajeev Shahre, who also happens to be a fan of cricket.
 
 Later in his key note address, Rajeev Shahre appreciated the wonderful services being rendered by Jam’iyyatul Falah in the line of charity, especially in the matter of providing education to the under-privileged students.  He commended the other activities of Jam’iyyatul Falah too and promised support from the Embassy.
 
Ayaz, Rafeeq, Siraj, Mohammed Bellechar and Nazeer were appreciated for their hard work in organizing the tournament successfully and were presented with mementos during the awards ceremony. The sponsors including Quiznos sandwiches, Stop Coffee, Haneef Musrikhan and Abdul Hameed Wenz were also present on the occasion.
 
Abdul Karim Faizi and Kunhi represented Safa Makkah Polyclinic at the finals. Other guests included Nizamuddin, convener of Milli Council, Qaiser of Tanzeem Hum Hindustani, Subhani of Oubna, Vijay Rai, president of Karavali Welfare Association, Ramesh Shetty of OTE, Abbas Uchila, president of DKMO and Gafoor Jubail. Haneef Jokatte proposed vote of thanks.
 
Awards:
Winner : Suralpady XI
Runner Up : MD Moodbidiri
Second runner up : Seven Star Mulky
Man of the Final Match - Amir, Suralpadi XI.
Man of the tournament: - Haris, MD Moodbidiri.
Batsman of the tournament – Haris, MD Moodbidiri
Bowler of the tournament – Amir, Suralpadi XI.