Doha: Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA) an affiliated organization to Indian Cultural Centre under the aegis of the Embassy of India, State of Qatar, organized the 2nd edition of the Bengaluru Cup, a volleyball tournament for the community organization of Karnataka Origin here in Doha, Qatar at the Old Ideal Indian School ground at a purpose built volleyball court.
The tournament was spread over two days, with day one being the opening ceremony and the fixtures and day two saw the semifinals, finals and the closing ceremony.
The Chief Guest for the opening ceremony, Seenu Pillai, Vice President & Head of Premises, Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), was escorted to the stage by KMCA President Niyaz Ahmed along with Arvind Patil, President, Indian Community Benevolent Fund (ICBF). Hisham of Al-FardanExchange, the Title Sponsor of the Tournament& Ashmath Ali of Golden Trading & Decor escorted to the stage by the KMCA Vice President Saquib Raza Khan.
The ceremony began with the recitation from the Qur’an by Master FakhirFayaz Ahmed. The event was compered by Mr. Zakir Ahmed. KMCA president Niyaz Ahmed, welcomed all the guests and the audience. The Dignitaries on the dais were presented with welcome memento by children.
The General Secretary Zia Ul-Haq lined up the Six Teams namely;
Karanatak Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA)
Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ)
Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC)
Qatar Karnataka Friends (QKF)
Social Forum – Karnataka Chapter (SFQ)
Tulu Koota Qatar (TKQ)
The lighting ceremony was held with the KMCA General Secretary Zia UlHaq passing the baton to the Team Captains and the Team owners passed it on to the KMCA Logics Coordinator Ismail Aboobacker, who took it to the Bengaluru Cup Giant Volleyball Montage and lit the cauldron thereby igniting the flame of the spirit of sportsmanship.
At this Juncture, KMCA announced a special Award, the “Late Prakash Chandra Ajila Fair Play Award”. Named after Late Prakash Chandra Ajila, who was known for his kind & affable nature. In memory and respect of this great son of Karnataka, who was also the Past President of Bunts Qatar andTulu Koota, the KMCA President Niyaz Ahmed & The KMCA Executive Committee decided to Present the award to the player of the tournament who displays fair-game thourghout the tournament. A committee comprising of Arun Kumar, Dr. Sanjay Kudri & Divakar Poojary decided the results for the same.
The fixtures were drawn by Arun Kumar.
The guests addressed the gathering and expressed their delight, appreciation and whole hearted support for community organized events by KMCA. The Vote of thanks was proposed by Ibraiz Khan.
The tournament was declared open by the guests with a release of helium balloons.
Day One:
Court 1 witnessed matches played between KMCA vs MCC (MCC Won), KMCA vs SFQ (KMCA won) & MCC vs SFQ (MCC won)
Court 2 witnessed matches played between KSQ vs QKF (QKF won), QKF vs TKQ (QKF won) & KSQ vs TKQ (KSQ won)
Day Two: The two semi-final matches were played simultaneously on Day Two. Court 1 – KMCA vs QKF, this match was fiercely fought with neck to neck point scoring 2 sets of action packed camaraderie in which team QKF came out successful and entered into the finals.
Court 2 – KSQ vs MCC, a high energy match between the two teams with 2 sets of closely fought smashes & lifts culminating in MCC winning and progressing towards the Finals.
The break time between the Semi Final matches and the Final was well utilized to hold the stage formal program with Qir’at, Recitation from the Holy Qur’an, Ahmed Saeed Assadi, requested the KMCA President & Vice President to escort the Chief Guest for the evening K K USMAN, President of INCAS along with Divakar Poojary, ICC General Secretary.
“Mehendi Rang Layegi” event, an all women event organized by the KMCA Women’s Wing, where local henna artists apply henna to any interested ladies & children at the ICC premises two days before the Eid-Ul-Adha, was a successful one.
Later the Charity envelop was presented by the Guests on Dais to the Special Needs Coordinator Iqbal Manna and the same was later handed over to ICBF.
KMCA Vice President, Saquib Raza Khan Welcomed the gathering. The Umpires for the tournament were presented with mementos by the chief guest. The Umpires were Eric Cruz, Edwin Gonzales, Joshua Gonzales & Carlo Nuevo. The Groundsman Ramdev was also felicitated for the excellent preparation of the Grounds.
The Chief Guest K K Usman addressed the audience and appreciated the efforts put together by all affiliate organisations in furthering the mission of harmony & peace through sports. He expressed his heartfelt delight for being involved with KMCA and how KMCA has become a torch bearer for ICC affiliate organisations.
Divakar Poojary addressed the gathering and commended the level of sportsmanship displayed by the athletes and congratulated KMCA on holding such a well organized event.
The Stage function concluded with Vote of Thanks by KMCA President Niyaz Ahmed. He expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of KMCA namely, Al-Fardan Exchange, Euro Parts, Golden Trading, SBMK, ALM, QDC, BIPS, QCON and many others.
The president expressed his humble thanks to the various community leaders who graced the occasion and enjoyed the games. Namely, Ravi shetty, Arun Kumar, Milan Arun , Ashmath Ali, Ramchandra Shetty, Deepak Shetty, Abdul Majeed Hydros, Ibrahim Beary, Nazeer Pasha, Seetharama Shetty, Divakar Poojary,Priyajith Gowda the media representatives, Alex Castelino, Iqbal Manna, Savious Crasta.
Without their support, organizing community events were not possible, he said. Also, Sanjay Kudri, made the venue available to KMCA for the tournament and Anil Boloor too supported in conducting the tournament successfully.
The finals was played between QKFvs MCC with new set of ground rules to stop enthusiastic crowd and team supporters from entering the field. A two set game saw fierce fighting for points and fantastic smashes and rallies. The Match was won by QKF and were crowned the Champions of 2nd Bengaluru Cup. Both the teams were presented with individual player medals & Cash Prizes, followed by trophies for the best smasher – Renil (QKF), best lifter – Ansar (QKF) and best all rounder – Sebin (MCC).
The Late Prakash Chandra Ajila Fair Play Award was won by Shakir (QKF).
The runners up trophy was presented to MCC and Winners trophy to QKF teams.
Prize distribution was done by Ravi Shetty, Mr. Abdul Majeed Hydros, Priyajith Gowda, Deepak Shetty Alex Castelino, Nazeer Pasha, Arun Kumar and Milan Arun.
Mohammed Isham of Alfardan Exchange gave away the Runner-up and Winner’s Trophy.
The event concluded with a photo session of the teams.
KMCA President Niyaz Ahmed and the Executive Committee congratulated the champions and all the teams for their sporting spirit.
The event was well attended by the presence of a sizable crowd and it was delightful to have large participation from women and children.
