Let’s Celebrate Badminton! ‘Mangala Cup 2017’ Tournament Kicks Off
Mangaluru: Mangala Badminton Club (MBC), affiliated to Dakshina Kannada District Badminton Association (DKDBA) in the past has organized many tournaments in the local and district level, but this year for the FIRST time they hosted “Mangala Cup 2017”- an Interstate (Karnataka and Kerala) Open Badminton Tournament; and DK, Udupi and Kasaragod District level tournament below 18 year category from 13 January till 15 January 2017 at the US Mallya Indoor Stadium, Lalbagh-Mangaluru, which was inaugurated today (13 Jan) at 10 am.
Prior to the formal inauguration, a procession was led from Mangaluru City Corporation vicinity which was flagged off by Former National and State Badminton player Ashok Poovaiah and Jayan Shetty- Former Mangaluru City DySp and culminated at the indoor stadium. The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by Sukanya and Vidya, members of MBC. The event was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Badminton coach and Ex-International player-Mohit Kamat, Ex-National player and Badminton Coach Sudhakar B.N, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely Chairman of Sri Devi Education Trust and President, DKDBA Sadananda Shetty; Deputy Director, Youth Service and Sports Department, Mangaluru-Pradeep D’Souza, MD of Surabhi Group, of Concerns, Mangaluru- B Subhaschandra Prabhu; President of MBC- AS Venkatesh, Ashok Poovaiah and Tournament Referee Suresh Kumar.
Addressing the gathering, Mohit Kamat said, “Much like the sport of tennis, badminton is a great racquet sport that offers a tremendous amount of benefits for participants. Whether it’s in singles or doubles, badminton is a fun and exciting sport to pick up if you’re looking for an activity that boosts your physical, mental and social aspects of health. Playing badminton helps in Physical fitness, Develops athleticism, Increases muscle tone; creates Psychological benefits; increases Social health and its Good for overall health; Flexibility and muscle strength; Mobility; Weight loss; and decreases diabetes.”
He further said, “While you are playing badminton you need to work on your goals and try to accomplish and achieve your goals. You need to play with passion and determination and try to make your dreams come true.These days I have noticed that youngsters are not so passionate about the game, so I request you to show passion and love for the game. Also, you need to believe in your coach, because he or she will turn into a better and great player. Best of luck and happy badminton game!”
Sudhakar BN and Sadananda Shetty also spoke and wished the players in the tournament all success and also encouraged youngsters to take up the game of Badminton because it is fun and good for physical fitness and health. Nearly 200 participants in Open Category, and nearly 175 participants in 13 years below, 16 years below and 19 years below category single and doubles category have registered their names for the tournament.
The tournament comprises of 13 years below, 16 years below and 19 years below category single and doubles; and for the open category for men and women, above 35 years and 45 years of age, women’s Doubles of 30 years above, during the three-day event. A total sum of prize money of Rs 4.75 lacs will be shared by the various winners in this tournament. The Closing ceremony on 15 January at 6.30pm will be graced by MLA J.R Lobo, Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Vandana Shanbogue; MCC Mayor – M Harinath; Sadananda Shetty; Chairman of AJ Group of Institutions – A.J Shetty; Director of Ship Waves Online Pvt Ltd- Mohammed Harris; and Dr Director of City Hospital and Research Centre, Mangaluru – Dr Roshan Shetty. Sahana Prakash-member of MBC compered and also delivered the vote of thanks.
About Mangala Badminton Club- It Originated in the year 2010, Mangala Badminton Club (“MBC”) and is still active as a result of the efforts of badminton players at the US Mallya indoor court. Over the past 6 years, the memberships have steadily grown from 40 to 170 members who are actively playing in the club even today. From 15-year-old teenagers to 70+-year-old veterans, the club has a diverse set of players from different age groups. The players, who come from different walks of life, practice and compete hard with each other, but in a friendly and harmonious environment. Irrespective of their age, skill level, or background, a common thread that binds all the players of the club is their passion and enthusiasm for the game. It is with this enthusiasm to promote the sport.
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Let’s Celebrate Badminton! MBC to host ‘Mangala Cup 2017’