‘Glad to have Cricketer ‘Jockey Roce’ amidst Us’- MLA Abhayachandra Jain

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‘Glad to have Cricketer ‘Jockey Roce’ amidst Us’- MLA Abhayachandra Jain

Mangaluru: ‘Jockey Roce’!-What? For a moment former South Africa Cricketer and Mumbai Indians fielding coach ‘Jonty Rhodes’, all of a sudden became ‘Jockey Roce’, while he was on stage gracing the valedictory function of the ‘Indian Open of Surfing-2017’, on Sunday 28 May 2017. That’s what happens when you are a hardcore Congress leader, you will only thoroughly remember the names of Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Siddaramaiah and others Congress honchos- but even though MLA K Abhayachandra Jain of Moodbidri being a former Sports and Youth Empowerment Minister of Karnataka, he jumbled up while introducing the name of ‘Jonty Rhodes’ and ended up calling him ‘Jockey Roce’?. This led to a huge laughter among the dignitaries on the stage, and also a roar of laughter from the crowd- since it was really hilarious that a former sports minister mentioning a famous cricketer’s name wrong.

The best part was that the MLA still didn’t realize that he called ‘Jonty’s’ name wrong, instead coolly proceeded with his welcome address. And there were a bunch of young girls giggling and laughing so loud about this blunder by the MLA, the bouncers had to calm them down. Also while introducing the president of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Jeevan Saldanha, who was clad in Bermuda shorts, Hawaiian shirt and a hat, the MLA said, “Here we have a man who looks like a Goa Man?”. Anyways, the MLA did put up a little entertainment with his vocabulary on stage.

The Surfing even did end in a picturesque note as the Sasihithlu Beach reveled with cheers for the winners of the competition while they received their prizes. Among the winners were Maldivian surfer Ammaday who surfed his way to glory clinching the winner’s cheque of Rs 50,000 in the Open Category, while Pondicherry’s Suhasini Damian emerged as the champion in the women’s category, winning a cheque for Rs 25,000. The final day of the even experienced testing conditions that ensured the surfers were at their best, to leave lasting impressions on the judges with their skills and manoeuvres.

The valedictory function saw a huge crowd of people, where some of them might have never heard of this beach- but they still came in large numbers. There was a big queue for the shuttle buses to take to and fro from the venue. Police had a tough time managing the vehicles and the crowd- but everything went on well without any problems. Prior to the formal programme, Team Mangalorean had an opportunity to interact with Bollywood star Suniel Shetty, and cricketer Jonty Rhodes, behind the stage. Thanks to Devanand Shetty- MD of Dixie Group of Companies-Panambur, and also a close friend of Suniel Shetty, who arranged Team Mangalorean and ‘Mrs India South’ winner Nischitha Shenoy to meet these two stars.

An exclusive interview of Nischitha Shenoy was featured in Mangaloraen.com earlier, and she was one of the judges for our “Mother and Daughter Look Alike Contest. Thanks also to Yatish Baikampady-CEO of Panambur Beach Tourism and Development Project and the other committee members for agreeing to our request to have Nischitha Shenoy to be one of the guests on stage during the valedictory function. Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Suniel Shetty said, ” My hometown is just a few minutes from this picturesque beach. I am so happy that such a great event is taking place in our Tulunadu. It is also a proud moment for Karnataka too. I remember my childhood days here at the Sasihithlu beach when there was nothing here, but I am glad that this beach has given life to surfing, and my thanks to Mantra Surf Club for making it happen, and for nourishing surfing in this area. I will support surfing at this region to the best of my ability, and will always be a patron”

Jonty Rhodes speaking to Team Mangalorean said, ” What a great day to be a here- I am overwhelmed for two reasons, one being a father to my child, Nathan Jon who was born last Sunday- and also that Mumbai Indians won the IPL 2017 trophy. And above all, my immense joy is being here with all the young surfers of this region. A few years ago when I landed here there was absolutely nothing- I drove my bike through the narrow streets here, and at one spot I landed into a ditch. Look at this place now- it’s bubbling with excitement, fun and surfing activities- what more can you ask for. Long live Sasihithlu Beach and Surfing”.

Among other guests that graced the valedictory function were – DC Dr KG Jagadeesh, MCC Mayor Kavitha Sanil, Haleyangadi Grama Panchayat president Jalaja, Additional DC Kumar, Jack Hebner ‘Surfing Swami’-founder of Mantra Surf Club-Mulki, KCCI president Jeevan Saldanha, Yatish Baikampady, District Youth Congress president Mithun Rai, MLC and Congress Whip Ivan D’Souza, ‘Mrs India South’ Nischitha Shenoy, among many others.

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drona
7 years ago

Daane Ministryle. Jockey underwear sponsored program pini att aavey. Why do they get these for such programs? Such an embaraassment to our district. Well, you can also call him to inagurate VS jodu kamabala.