Media Release
Pics: Bernard Shingare
Doha, Oct 8: On 5th November 2009 the first semi-finals match of the tournament was played between Tulu Koota & the host team MCC. MCC played with great determination and confidence thereby putting pressure on Tulu Koota, the reigning champions. The match was won by MCC in two straight sets.
The second semis took place between Konkan Stars & Indian Club. The match was won by Konkan Stars. Indian Club did put up a fight but were no match for the experienced Konkan Stars.
Come Friday, 6th November, the concluding day of the tournament. At 5:00 p.m., the first match of the day was played to determine the 3rd place winner, between Indian Club & Tulu Koota. Indian Club showed signs of putting up a good fight against the somewhat subdued Tulu Koota but not for long as Tulu Koota snapped back into action and took the game in two straight sets.
Then came the spice of the evening, an Exhibition Match showcasing the talents of all those men who were instrumental in coaching the Ladies. It was a MCC brainchild organized for the very first time which went on to add both mirch & masala to the evening’s proceedings. Each participating team was asked to nominate 4 men and two teams were drawn up which comprised of a mix of men from all the teams.
The match that took place was both boisterous and action packed. This time around, the men displayed their talents and the women went wild with every fault made by the men, belting out common dialogues usually dished out by the men folk as they train the women. “Do not waste serves”, “Net – a man’s worst enemy”, “Avoid the first line” were some of the comments heard from the women. The game was fast paced & spiced with plenty of smashes and drop shots.
It was now time for the Opening/Closing Ceremony and the Chief Guest was none other than . Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Indian Ambassador to Qatar. Florent D’Souza, Emcee of the evening set in motion the proceedings with an Introduction of the Chief Guest, the Main Sponsor, Alfred Sequeira couple of Gulf International Enterprises, Co-Sponsors – Alan Currie of Qatar Kentz and Wilfred Fernandes of Ghanem Holdings.
The Welcome address was presented by Roy D’Souza, Joint Sports Secretary. Emilia Castelino conducted the Grand March which was led by Joint Secretary, Riana Pinto. Alwyn D’Souza, President of MCC, welcomed the gathering and thanked Wadhwa for gracing the event.
Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa in her speech expressed her admiration and congratulated MCC for organizing such a high caliber sports event designed to showcase talents of women and appreciated the leisurely atmosphere wherein both the young and the old; men, women and children alike were enjoying themselves with broad smiles on their faces. She was very impressed with MCC and urged for a greater participation from the Indian women from various other states as well. Wadhwa made a lasting impression upon the gathering with her inimitable style, cool and outgoing personality and graceful presence.
There was a scintillating cheer leading act from Rhea, Richa, Tanya, Megan & Sarah who danced to the tune of ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘Chak de’ and captured the hearts of the spectators.
The Captains and Managers of all the Teams, then took part in a symbolic release of Doves and Balloons in the presence of Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa who was then escorted by Riana Pinto and Cyril D’Souza to meet and greet the teams. The Team Captains in turn introduced their team mates to Wadhwa & proudly posed with her for a memorable picture.
Thereafter it was time for the Final Match to be played between the qualifying teams, MCC and Konkan Stars(KS) .
Ambassador was escorted to the court by Reena Castellino, the Cultural Secretary and Jacintha Mendonca, the Joint Secretary & the match was declared open by the ‘throwing of the ball’ across the net by Ambassador.
KS won the toss and elected to serve. The first set was won by KS who played well. The second set was a nail biter as the game went down to the wire. Though KS were trailing 0-7 in this set, they came back very strongly and won the match in a convincing manner.
Cyril D’Souza, Sports Secretary then proposed the vote of thanks.
The prize distribution ceremony was conducted by John Britto and Vince Castelino {Both Joint sports secretaries}. Certificates and attractive prizes were awarded by Jerry D’Mello, MCC Founder Member, to HSBC team and Wilfred Fernandes to the Indian Club team.
2nd runners up Tulu Koota were awarded the bronze medals, certificates and prizes by Alan Currie of Qatar Kentz.
1st runners up MCC were awarded the Silver medals, certificates and prizes by Rita Sequeira.
The Rolling Trophy, Gold medals, certificates and prizes were awarded to the Champions Konkan Star by the main sponsor Alfred Sequeira of Gulf International Enterprises.
This year MCC introduced a new award of ‘Best Smasher’ which was won by Wilma D'Souza of KS
The ‘Player of the Tournament’ was won by MCC’s star player Indira Ravikunder.
Referee Shahida Fatima of the Pakistan Education Centre, Doha was presented with a flower bouquet and a token of appreciation for her steadfast support for the tournament over the years and her love for this game.
The grand success of this year’s Ladies Throwball Tournament, as was in the past, was due to the combined efforts of the MCC Ex-Com, the sports committee, Participating teams, the volunteers, the emcee, the rotation officers, the linesmen, the scorekeepers & the commentators who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and the sports loving people of Qatar through their presence and support.
All in all, it was a wonderful tournament enjoyed by all.
MCC wishes to thank the Sponsors: Gulf International Enterprises, Qatar Kentz, Ramada Plaza, Canara Jewellery, Rasgas, Total E&P Qatar, McDonalds, Safa Waters, Dandy juices, Family Food Centre, Lipton Tea and all those who contributed towards the success of this mega event. A Special Thank you goes out to the Indian Club for providing facilities necessary for the conduct of the Tournament.