Qatar: KMCA hosts 4th Tipu Sultan Cup cricket tourney

April 5, 2017

Qatar: Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA) hosted fourth Tipu Sultan Cup Cricket Tournament 2017 for 4 days from 27th to 30th March 2017 at Old Ideal Indian School Ground. The colourful opening ceremony started in a grand manner, with Nilangshu Dey, President, Indian Sports Centre as the chief guest.

Padmashri Mariyappan Thangavelu, Indian Paralympic Athelete Gold Medallist and Satyanarayana Shimoga, Indian National Team Coach – Paralympic Champions were the guests of honour.

Abdulla Monu Mohidin, President, KMCA in welcomed the gathering in a warm and cordial manner. He expressed his sense of keen happiness to all those who spared their valuable time to witness the tournament and encourage the players. Nilangshu Dey in his brief speech touched upon the various sports activities happening in vibrant Qatar and commended KMCA’s efforts in taking this to further heights.

Niyaz Ahmed, Ex-President of KMCA & Head of Advisory Board, amidst thunderous applause, introduced the Guests of Honour, highlighted the achievements of PadmashriMariyappanThangavelu and impressed the audience by stating that we able-bodied persons to learn lessons and imbibe the spirit from the Gold Medalist Mariyappan. Niyas added that he too is honoured and proud to read out the welcome address and to introduce Mariyappan to those who were present, though in fact, the gold medalist need no introduction as he is known world-wide by now. Ismail Abobakker, Coordinator (Logistics), KMCA introduced Satyanarana Shimoga, Indian National Team Coach to the audience, which was quite impressive.

Saquib Raza Khan, in his own inimitable style, anchored and also one of the commentators. He did his job in a splendid way to attract and retain the interests of spectators and onlookers, cracking jokes in between.

The closing ceremony and grand finale was held on 30th March with Mrs. Milan Arun, President Indian Cultural Centre Qatar and several key office bearers from Indian Cultural Centre, Sports Organizations from various States in India, Sri Lankan Cricketers, cricket veterans from neighboring GCC countries too participated that added flavor to the function.

Unbelievable yet true; Both the opening and closing ceremonies were awesome, glittering with the arrival of Chief Guests in a convoy of vehicles that include the breath-taking Rolls Royce, participants dressed like warriors representing Tipu Sultan to coincide with the 4th Tipu Sultan Cup Cricket Tournament. It looks like a dream; yet it is a reality; 80 flagmen waving colourful flags, enticing and attractive 10 BMWs, and awesome Rolls Royce. It is not a ground; it was converted to a wonderland. Everyone was excited and cheered the participants in the Cricket Tournament by loud applause, whistles, and dancing to say the least. Participant teams include Karnataka Sangha Qatar, Tulu Kota, South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association, Bunts Qatar, Social Forum – India Qatar, Hidaya Foundation, Qatar Karnataka Friends and last but not the least KMCA.

During the closing ceremony, Chief Guest Mrs. Milan Arun, President, Indian Cultural Centre expressed her support on behalf of Indian Cultural Centre to all sports activities and look forward to more such occasions and opportunities. The Guests of Honour for the Closing Ceremony were Mr. Ali Ghanem Al Kuwari, President, Qatar Volleyball Association and Mr. Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports & Fisheries, Government of Karnataka. Fayaz Ahmed, Treasurer, KMCA introduced Mr. Ali Ghanem Al Kuwari and welcomed him. Niyaz Ahmed ex-President KMCA & Head of Advisory Board introduced and facilitated Mr. Pramod Madhwaraj. Mr. Pramod said that while religion and politics divide people, sports and cultural activities unite people in all walks of life. It is therefore imperative that all of us live in harmony together by engaging ourselves in various sports and cultural activities to have a vibrant social life.

Mr. Ali Ghanem Al Kuwari stated that he is ever ready and willing to extend support as required for development of sports which is gaining momentum in Qatar. Mrs. Aisha Rafique, Vice President, KMCA thanked the sponsors for their spontaneous support and encouragement which enabled KMCA to organize this tournament and look forward to their and others continuous support, encouragement and patronage.

There were hectic moments and all the spectators were anxious when they witnessed the semi-finals that took place between Bunts Qatar VS Hidaya Foundation and Tulu Kotta VS KMCA. Anxious moments gripped the audience and the players when KMCA had a fierce fight with Bunts Qatar to win the Trophy. At last, KMCA won the Final and bagged the coveted 4th Tip Sultan Cup Cricket for 2017. All with no exception, players, spectators and others who witnessed this exciting and exhilarating concluding match jumped in joy and created a happy situation by dancing, beating the drums, waving the flags and enjoying every moment.

Mr. H.K.Madhu (President KSQ). Mr. Ravi Shetty (President-Tulu Koota), Mr. Navnit Shetty (President-Bunts Qatar),Mr.Suhaib Ahmed (President –SKMWA), Mr.Nazeer Pasha (President-Social Forum),Mr.Prakash Noronha(President-MCC), Mr.Arun Kumar, Dr.SanjayKudari, Mr.AnilBoloor, Mr.Nagesh Rao, Mr.VivianD’souza, Mr.Deepak Shetty, Mr.Ramchandra Shetty, Mr.Seetaram Shetty and many Karnataka Based Organization members were witnessed the spectacular event.

The Main Sponsors of the event was M/s STS Group and M/s ALM. M/s Doha Bank, M/s ATS, M/s Qatar Design Consortium, M/s Euro Parts, M/s Alzaman Exchange, M/s Golder Trading & Décor and M/s Gazebo were co-sponsors.

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Union Minister Kiren Rijiju graces Indian community interaction program in Riyadh

News Network

January 13,2025

Riyadh: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh hosted a grand Indian Community Interaction Program at its auditorium in the Diplomatic Quarter, attended by the Honorable Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju. The event, which commenced at 6 PM (KSA time) brought together a vibrant gathering of Indian community members, Embassy officials and dignitaries.

The Minister was warmly welcomed by the Indian community steering committee with a traditional Himachali cap and shawl, symbolizing Indian cultural richness and diversity. The Honorable Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, shared the dais.

In his address, Shri Kiran Rijiju emphasized the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, describing it as critical for fostering mutual growth and supporting the well-being of the Indian diaspora. He remarked, “India and Saudi Arabia share ancient ties, which have evolved into a robust partnership spanning trade, education, technology and culture.”

“The Kingdom is not only home to 2.6 million Indians but also a key ally in advancing global stability and prosperity,” he said. With the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia being the second-largest globally, Shri Rijiju equated their number to the population of many nations.

Shri Rijiju underscored the shared commitment to strengthening cultural and economic links, which directly benefit the Indian community in Saudi Arabia and their families in India.

He captivated the audience with his thoughtful address, expressing gratitude to the Indian diaspora for their invaluable contributions. Reflecting on his earlier visits to the Kingdom as a Member of Parliament and individual basis, he emphasized the significance of this trip as Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs and it’s going to be helpful to the people, especially Hajjis and all Indian diasporas, who are living in the Kingdom.

Hajj 2025 Preparations & Increase in Hajj Quota

A major highlight of Shri Rijiju’s address was the Government of India’s efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims. He announced an increase in the Hajj quota for 2025 and introduced new guidelines aimed at ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort, especially for elderly pilgrims, women and others.

The Minister emphasized India’s collaboration with Saudi authorities to streamline travel, accommodation, and healthcare facilities for pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free and spiritually fulfilling experience. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Hajjis, reflecting India’s proactive approach to catering to the needs of its citizens abroad.

Rising Global Stature of India

Shri Rijiju also emphasized and spoke about India’s emergence as a global power. “Unlike a decade ago, India today is a center of global influence with strong ties to almost every nation; India is becoming a global center of power, linked to almost every nation,” he said. The world’s perception of India and Indians has transformed positively, and every Indian can now feel a profound sense of pride,” he stated.

Commendation for Embassy and Cultural Performances

The minister praised the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah for their exceptional works including managing one of the busiest workloads among Indian missions globally, such as issuing around 600 passports daily. He also praised their active involvement in promoting bilateral relations.

The evening featured cultural performances by students from Indian International Schools in Riyadh. Classical dances, along with a special performance marking Vishwa Hindi Divas, captivated the audience. Shri Rijiju applauded the students for showcasing the richness of India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, emphasizing equal respect for all Indian languages such as Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Marati, Rasthani, Manipuri, Dogra etc.

The event concluded with the Minister distributing prizes to winners of various competitions, leaving attendees inspired and proud of their shared cultural roots. Dinesh Setia, First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, ensured the program’s seamless flow as the master of ceremonies.

The Indian community expressed gratitude to Shri Rijiju for his inspiring vision and praised the Embassy for hosting a memorable evening.

(Inputs from P.A. Hameed Padubidri, Riyadh)

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