Sharjah, Dec 2: In one of the most competitive matches held here at the Wonderer's Club Sharjah, for the first time Konkans Dubai emerged as winners beating all their previous opponents while the Ace Spikers as usual lifted the volley ball trophy at the Kanajar Open Volley Ball and Throw Ball Tournament.

The much anticipated Open Lourdes Kanajar Volley Ball and Throw Ball tourney began at Sharjah Wonderers Club at 8.30 am on Sunday December 2 on UAE National Day. Lourdes Kanajar Association Emirates (LKAE) has been organizing this tournament every year successfully to support less privileged children back home in Kanajar, wherein almost all the teams of UAE participate.

Gilbert Aranha one of the officials of the tournament and coach of Mangalore Konkans team began the proceedings of the tournament along with Sudhakar Alva (throwball coach) and K Moideen (volleyball coach). Fr Ronald Lobo of Kokkada Parish who was present and on the occasion of National Day wished all the participating teams. Other dignitaries namely Frank Lobo, James Mendonsa (president - Mangalore Konkans), Walter Nandalike (Daijiworld), Dayan D'Souza, Joseph Mathias (Merit Freight and Logistics), Wilfred Mendonsa and Frank Lobo (Galaxy Star Electromechanical Works) were present on the dais.

Vijay Barboza, president of LKAE in his inaugural message said that in the past tournament proceedings about 45 children of Kanajar have benefited for their educational needs. He thanked all the sponsors who made this possible and requested to support LKAE in future too so that more and more children would be benefited. He also called on all the participants to play all the matches in the spirit of the game. Other LKAE committee members namely Aloysius D'Souza, Joy D'Souza and Alwyn D'Souza were present on dais. Fr Ronald Lobo invoked God's blessings and wished for all the participants' success and also for the success of the tournament. UAE national anthem was played on the occasion of UAE's National Day and Indian national anthem was followed thereafter.

The LKAE tournament torch lighting ceremony was held and the light was taken in the procession to the dais along with all committee members of LKAE followed by oath taking ceremony which was conducted by Austine Barboza. LKAE tournament was inaugurated by releasing the doves. The exciting tournament began with first ball tossing by Fr Rony Lobo along with captains of all the teams.

There were ups and downs, victories and failures. The Konkans Dubai and Mogaveera's UAE reached the finals in ladies throw ball and Konkans Dubai and Bunts Dubai met in finals of men's throw ball finals.

In the ladies matches it was a do or die situation for Konkans and they were tested for their patience and dedication and Konkans Dubai proved that they were determined to win and did not give any chance to Mogaveers to gain supremacy and managed to beat them finally to win the precious ladies throw ball trophy.

In the men's throw ball too Konkans Dubai fought a good fight with their regular rivals Bunts Dubai but eventually lost to the strength and experience of Bunts Dubai and Bunts Dubai emerged as winners of men's throw ball trophy.

In the other volley ball matches, many were absent and the finals were held between Ace Spikers and Sea-Mens Tigers-B wherein Ace Spikers managed to beat Sea-Mens Tigers-B eventually and lifted the most sought LKAE volley ball trophy.

In the conclusion and prize distribution ceremony the prominent guests namely Stany D'Souza (LKAE), Fr Rony Lobo, Austine Barboza, Frank and Alfred D'Souza were present on the dais. All the referees of the tournament were honoured with mementos. An action was held for the remaining raffle tickets were held.

Stany D'Souza one of the prominent committee member of LKAE proposed the vote of thanks and thanked all the participants for playing the game in good spirit, all the sponsors for their generosity, all the organizers for their dedication and hard work to put up the great tournament, sound system, coaches, emcees of the day Uttam Menezes and Gilbert Aranha. A well known volley ball player was recognized by LKAE for his dedication for the last 15 years as a permanent volley ball player at the venue and tournament held by LKAE.

The players of the day were honoured namely: Best smasher in men's throw bal - Shiva Shetty of Bunts Dubai, all rounder - Ullas Menezes of Konkans Dubai, best discipline team - Pacific Stars Sharjah and in the women's throw ball team: best smasher - Nalini of Mogaveers UAE, all rounder - Anita Lobo and best discipline team - SMMKC Sharjah.

In volley ball the honour of best smasher went to Rodney of See Mens Sharjah and Spiker to Ayyaz of Ace Spikers, all rounder to Dhiraj of Ace Spikers and the best discipline team went to Sifa Chilli Willy team.

The final trophies were distributed to all winners and runners up teams as follows:

Ladies throw ball team:
Konkans Dubai - winner
Mogaveers UAE - runners up

Mens throw ball team:
Bunts Dubai - winner
Konkans Dubai - runners up

Volley ball team:
Ace Spikers - winners
Sea Mens Sharjah - runners up

All the winners were honoured with certificates, trophies and cash prizes.