Media Release
Doha, Jan 17: Defending champions and favourites Tulu Koota Qatar (TKQ-ATS) emerged champions in the 3rd Peace Trophy-2017 Kabaddi Tourney held at the Al Jazeera Academy near here on January 13. The tournament was hosted by South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA), a socio-cultural association affiliated to Indian Embassy. TKQ-ATS defeated team SKMWA for the second consecutive year in the finals to win the prestigious tournament.
The tournament commenced with the teams lining up at the ground for the National Anthems of the Qatar and India.
Ravi Shetty, president of Tulu Koota, Abdulla Monu, president of KMCA, Ventaka Roa, senior vice-president of KSQ, Naeer Pasha, president of QISF, Navanith Shetty, president of Bunts Qatar were the guests of honour present on the dais. The tournament was inaugurated by releasing doves.
ATS-TKQ, QISF, KSQ, KMCA, HSC and the host SKMWA were the teams that participated in the event.
Sports secretary Karim conducted the oath-taking ceremony for the teams. Elyas Beary, general secretary of SKMWA, hosted the session.
Matches were played as a league and top two teams from each group qualified for the semi-finals. The semi-finals were played between ATS-Tulu Koota and KMCA, and HSC and SKMWA.
The most-awaited final was played between ATS-Tulu Koota (ATS-TKQ) and South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA). ATS-TKQ won the title. 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.
SKMWA president Suhaib Ahmed welcomed the gathering. Chief guest for the evening's prize distribution ceremony Milan Arun, president of ICC congratulated the winning teams as well as SKMWA on organizing such a great event to support the kabaddi players. Ravi Shetty, MD, ATS Group, Mohammed Sherif, proprietor, Global Sources Industrial services were the guests of honour.
A memento was presented from SKMWA to all the sponsors for the event.
During this event, SKMWA felicitated Niyaz Ahmed and Ravi Shetty for winning the Rajyotsava Award 2016 from Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada respectively. The profile of Niyaz Ahmed was read by Abdul Sattar and felicitation was jointly done by Abdulla Monu, Sheriff K and Ismail Jokatte.
Ravi Shetty’s introduction was done by Nasir Ullal and felicitation was jointly accorded by Abdul Majeed Mudabidri, Nasir Manjeshwar and Mohammed Shameem
Fair Play Award instituted in loving memory of the late vice president Basheer Ahmed was won by QISF.
The 'best raider' of the tournament title went to Sabbir from SKMWA, and the 'player of the tournament' award was bagged by Ashiq of Tulu Koota-ATS, while the award for the 'best catcher' of the tournament went to Zainuddin of Tulu Koota-ATS. The winner's trophy was handed over by Chief guest Mrs. Milan Arun to the winners.
Talented Arafath and Saleem kept the audience entertained with their running commentary while the score panel was controlled by Vijay Rai, Sunil Bhandary and Nitesh D. The sound system was provided by Anil Boloor.
The referee panel was led by main referee Mansoor Inthi. The first-aid medical team was led by Naseem Al Rabeeh medical Centre. Ground supporter/ coordinators were Abdul Rasheed and Ramachandra Shetty.
Abdul Majeed Hydros compered the prize distribution ceremony while prominent member and past president of the Association and sports secretary Abdul Kasim Udupi concluded the event with the vote of thanks.
All Karnataka-based association presidents and executive committee members witnessed the tournament. Hundreds of Kabaddi lovers gathered at the venue to watch their favourite teams in action.
Main sponsor of the event was Sameer Badruddin of Bombay Silk Centre, and gold sponsors were Ravi Shetty, MD, ATS Group, Mohammed Sherif, proprietor, Global Sources Industrial services.