Self determination and encouragement by others are important to achieve success: Syed Kirmani

Self determination and encouragement by others are important to achieve success: Syed Kirmani

Mangalore Today News Network

Photos: Srinisha Studio, Yedapadavu

Mangalore, May 9, 2011: Phase One of the much awaited Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Halli Cricket Tournament concluded on Sunday, 8th May with a total of 56 matches being played on the first two days of the tournament. The Second and concluding phase of the Tournament will take place over three days on 13th, 14th and 15th May, during which quarter finals and the decisive finals will be played.

 

 

With the coveted Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Trophy and Prize money of Rs. 3 lakh for first prize, as an unprecedented 100 teams had turned up for the tournament. Hence the organizers were forced to extend the tournament by one more day to accommodate all the teams. The second prize winners will take home prize money of Rs. 1.5 lakh, while the best batsman, best bowler and best all rounder will all get Rs. 10,000 each. A special prize of Rs. 15,000 will be given to the best dressed team too.

The tournament commenced with formal inauguration by the renowned former Indian wicket keeper Syed Kirmani on the morning of Saturday, 7th May. In his inaugural address, Sri Kirmani appreciated the efforts of the organizers of the tournament to promote rural sports. “Even in the rural areas, there are prodigious talents like Sachin Tendulkar and Dhoni. Tournaments like these will give them a platform to be properly identified,” he said. “Self determination as well as encouragement by others are important to achieve success. By participating in this village cricket fest, the rural community is getting a great boost in the field of sports,” he added.

To everyone’s joy and surprise, soon after lighting the lamp, the cricketing legend himself got down to the field and holding bat in hand, tackled a few balls to signify the opening the tournament. He happily swung his bat and made a clean sweep of the balls bowled by Sri Vijaynanth Shetty, the chief co-coordinator of the event.

 

 

The eminent BJP leader of Moodabidri, Sri K.P Jagadish Adhikari presided over the function. Sri Girish Bhat, the temple priest, Smt. Premalath Shetty, Sri Ramesh Shetty, Dr. Bhagwandas Shetty, Dr. Reema Shetty, Ms. Rasheema Alva and office bearers of DK Cricket Association were present on the occasion. Sri Kanthappa Shetty welcomed the gathering and Sri Naveen Hegde proposed the vote of thanks. Sri Naveen Shetty compered the programme and was the commentator for the cricket match.

The tournament took place in the abundant paddy fields adjacent to Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple at Badagayedapadavu near Mijar, which had been specially leveled to hold three cricket pitches. Following the inauguration, 18 matched were played on the first day and 38 matches on the second from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. As per the rules of the village cricket tournament, the players had to observe strict dress protocols, which included compulsorily wearing white mundu, white T-shirt and mundas (turban). Adding musical rhythm to the tournament was a full time band playing the signature tunes of IPL.

Being a village cricket contest, the matches are played using rubber ball in the under arm technique. Each match is of 6 overs; the finals will have matches of 12 overs.

“We are organizing this Halli Cricket Tournament to encourage rural sports and stimulate harmonious community life in the villages,” says Vijaynath Shetty, who has taken a keen interest promoting rural sports under the auspices of Sri Bhoothanatheswara Temple. The season began with a village games festival in February, followed by a state and village level Kabaddi tournament in April. Both the tournaments were a grand success with overwhelming response from the village teams.

Now the quarter finals and finals of the Halli Cricket Tournament taking place on 13th, 14th and 15th May will be an event to watch and large crowd is expected to witness the event. The matches are also telecast live on the V4 cable TV network.