Daijiworld Media Network – Bahrain
Bahrain Nov 27: The ‘Dakshina Kannada Muslim Welfare Association’, a united forum of Karnataka-origin NRIs living in Bahrain, successfully organised an exciting kabaddi tournament at the outdoor sports ground of the local Indian Club. Eight strong kabaddi teams from across the island took part, enthralling hundreds of sports enthusiasts from morning till late night.
The tournament was held in memory of the late Abubakkar Koya and the late Abubakkar Khader Holebadi, who had made remarkable contributions to the Association. Under the leadership of association president Haji Abdul Razak, who has been guiding the organisation for the past 33 years while supporting the Muslim community both on the island and back home, the event was conducted successfully.
Organised with the support of the local Kabaddi Federation and following international rules, the tournament saw Federation officials offering full cooperation, including officiating the matches.
The event was inaugurated at 10 am by Prakash Shetty, managing director of Central Café Group of Hotels, while the president of Kannada Sangha, Ajith Bangera, was present on the occasion.
In the league stage, all eight teams displayed intense competition. Tulunadu team entered the finals after defeating Pattukottai in the semifinals, while Friends Bahrain reached the final by beating Bahrain Berries. In a thrilling final match, Tulu Nadu emerged as the champions of the grand kabaddi Tournament, with Friends Bahrain finishing as runners-up.
During the valedictory ceremony held late at night, the chief guests included Jayashankar Vishwanathan, COO of Unico Group; Sami Ali, president of the Kabaddi Federation; Kannada Sangha president Ajith Bangera; former presidents Amarnath Rai and Pradeep Shetty; Central Café MD Prakash Shetty; Udupi-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Mubarak; B K, Ummer Saheb, Sayyed Hejamadi, Nasser and others.
Dakshina Kannada Muslim Welfare Association president Haji Abdul Razak expressed gratitude to everyone who worked for the success of the tournament. He said that such sports bring people together and that the event also aimed to remember the late Abubakkar Koya and Abubakkar Khader Holebadi while conveying a message of unity beyond caste and religion. Other guests also praised the flawless organisation of the event. On the occasion, appreciation certificates and gifts were presented to Kabaddi Federation officials.
Kabaddi Federation oresident Sami Ali, chief guest Jayashankar, guest of honour Mubarak, and event compere Kamalaksha Ameen were felicitated with mementoes. Trophies and cash prizes were awarded to the winner and runner-up teams, while semifinalists received trophies. Individual awards were also given for Best Raider, Best Catcher, Emerging Player, Best All-rounder, and other categories.
The Dakshina Kannada Muslim Association and its president Haji Abdul Razak Hejamadi, who continue to support community welfare while promoting unity through such sporting events, were widely appreciated for their commendable efforts.