Kuwait Canara Welfare Association Successfully Hosts the KCWA Cricket Cup 2025
Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) proudly organized the “KCWA Cricket Cup 2025” on Friday, 14 February, at the DCC Grounds in Sulaibiya, Kuwait. This much-anticipated event drew considerable participation and enthusiasm from the community, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the members and their families.
The tournament commenced with a solemn invocation of blessings, led by Roshan Rodrigues, setting a reverent tone for the day. Following this, President Naveen Mascarenhas delivered an inspiring welcome address to the teams, sponsors, and esteemed guests present. He emphasized the importance of participation and unity, urging everyone to engage wholeheartedly in the tournament. To mark the official opening, President Mascarenhas, accompanied by members of the Management Committee, took to the field to deliver a few ceremonial deliveries, thus declaring the tournament officially open. The opening ceremony was adeptly led by Prakash Gonsalves, who set the stage for a day filled with competitive spirit and community bonding.
The tournament featured three distinct categories, comprising four teams each in the Men’s Regulars, Men’s Veterans, and Women’s Regulars divisions, culminating in a total of 12 teams competing for the coveted trophies. The event was exclusively organized for KCWA members and their families, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 250 attendees who came together to support their teams.
The registered teams and their respective outcomes were as follows:
Men’s Regulars:
Canara XI
The Warriors
SKICC 2
KMCC
In a thrilling final, Team KMCC emerged victorious, defeating Canara XI to lift the prestigious trophy.
Men’s Veterans:
Little Flowers Abbasiya
Sharq United
Salmiya KICC
Team Xtreme
The Salmiya KICC team triumphed in the veterans’ category, overcoming Team Xtreme in a closely contested match.
Regular Women:
Infinity
Daredevils
Red Sparks
Canara XI
In the women’s division, Red Sparks claimed victory against Daredevils to secure the winner’s trophy.
This year, the KCWA introduced additional honors, awarding trophies and medals for various individual achievements, including Hero of the Match, Impact Player of the Match in every league match, Best Bowler, Best Batter, Player of the Final, Best Captain, and the Fair Play Award for the best performer in the final match.
The standout players recognized for their exceptional performances throughout the tournament included:
Men’s Regulars:
Best Batter: Wilson Lobo (KMCC)
Best Bowler: Friston Correa (KMCC)
Player of the Finals: Melwin D’Souza (KMCC)
Best Captain: Errel Jason D’Souza (KMCC)
Fair Play Award: Joel Pinto (Canara XI)
Men’s Veterans:
Best Batter: Roshan Lawrence Menezes (Salmiya KICC)
Best Bowler: Roshan Lawrence Menezes (Salmiya KICC)
Player of the Finals: Roshan Lawrence Menezes (Salmiya KICC)
Best Captain: Alfred Lobo (Salmiya KICC)
Fair Play Award: Lancy Castelino (Team Xtreme)
Regular Women:
Best Batter: Glenda Rekela Menezes (Daredevils)
Best Bowler: Glenda Rekela Menezes (Daredevils)
Player of the Finals: Valentine Preema D’Souza (Red Sparks)
Best Captain: Nancy Pinto (Canara XI)
Fair Play Award: Vinitha D’Souza (Infinity)
The DCC Management, led by Mr. Riston Robin Cardoza, efficiently managed the match officiating and scoring for the tournament, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
Following the conclusion of the matches, Jayson D’Souza conducted the final presentation ceremony, which was followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Sports Secretary Prakash Pinto. The event also recognized the achievements of Angel D’Costa, a talented medium pacer and all-rounder cricketer, who has made significant contributions to the senior women’s Kuwait cricket team. Her selection for the U19 BCCI Goa State Team and her remarkable performances have instilled pride within the Mangalorean community, particularly as she is the daughter of KCWA member Lavina D’Souza.
The day concluded with a closing prayer led by Johnson D Almeida, expressing gratitude for the pleasant weather and the successful culmination of the “KCWA Cricket Cup 2025.”
KCWA extended its heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors, including Steel United Factory represented by Mr. Prakash Gonsalves, Dalian International for Fire and Safety represented by Mr. Prashanth Ferrao, and several families who contributed to the event’s success. The association also acknowledged the DCC Management for their generous support in providing the grounds and managing the event throughout the day.
Photographic memories of the day were captured by Alban D’Souza and Prashanth Ferrao, with Allan D’Souza providing updates on social media. The sound system for the event was graciously provided by Roshan Rodrigues.
Special mention was made to Mughal Tandoori Restaurant in Abbasiya for catering breakfast and lunch for participants and attendees, along with logistics support from Prajwal Jaison Ferrao and Joseph Mascarenhas.
The tournament was meticulously coordinated by Sports Secretary Prakash Pinto in collaboration with Jayson D’Souza, alongside the dedicated efforts of the Sports Committee and Managing Committee members, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.
As the KCWA looks forward to future events, the success of the “KCWA Cricket Cup 2025” serves as a testament to the strength and unity of the community, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and friendship among its members.
