Press Release

Kuwait March 16, 2009: Youth Recreation Centre (YRC) organized KIFF Veterans Football Tournament on the 13th of March at the Municipality Stadium in Salmiya. The tournament brings together ex Soor Ground stars who have the opportunity to relive their glorious memories of the past. Fans were nostalgic at the opportunities of reliving past rivalries.

Twelve teams participated in this annual knockout format tournament. All teams were divided into 2 groups with 6 teams on either side. Only players over the age of 40 were eligible to participate.

The finals were fiercely contested between AVC and Don Bosco with AVC emerging victorious with a tight score line of 1-0.

This tournament was held under the auspicious banner of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) which is also celebrating its 25th Year as the premiere organization for the Indian Football lovers in Kuwait. The match officials were provided by Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA).

The final proceedings were handled by a famous footballer and compere Julio Cardoz.  YRC President Mr. Lawrence Pinto thanked all the participating teams, referees and football lovers.  John Fernandes from M/S Power Control Electrical Co. was the Guest of Honor and gave away the Prizes to the Winning Team (AVC).  B.M. Viegas (President of KIFF) gave away the prizes to the match officials (IFRA).

The Man of the Match was awarded to Abdul from AVC.  V.K. Vohra collected the oldest player trophy.

Youth Recreation Centre is a well known sport club in Kuwait. It was formed by their President Mr. Lawrence Pinto in the year 1978 (30 years ago).  YRC has organized knockout tournaments for 25 years.  YRC is also well known for the Konkani Cultural programs. In the year 2003 they organized an event called ‘Konkani Ekvottachi Sanz’ among Mangaloreans and Goan Community.  From Mangalore Mr. Wilfy Remibus along his group and from Goa a well known comedian Price Jacob, Hembert, C.D. Silva and Rita Rose also participated in this event.

Recently YRC organized a show called ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’ amongst Gulf Countries which surpassed all expectations. To date it is considered to be the best and the most successful Mangalorean Talent Show in the region.