Kodagu Arabica and Mandya were declared joint champions in the two-day State-Level Journalists’ Cricket Tournament organised by the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association in association with the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association.
The tournament was held at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College grounds in Madikeri. However, heavy rain in the evening disrupted the final stages of the competition, making it difficult to conduct the play-off matches. Darkness and adverse weather conditions further complicated matters.
In view of the circumstances, the organisers declared Mandya and Kodagu Arabica, the two teams that had reached the final, joint winners. However, as there was considerable curiosity over which team would receive the championship trophy, it was decided after discussions to determine the trophy winner through a ball-out contest.
Both teams were given six deliveries each, and the team that hit the opponent’s wickets more times would win the championship trophy. In this exciting contest, Mandya emerged victorious by a margin of 1-0 and claimed the trophy.
Interestingly, the total cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh earmarked for the winners and runners-up was distributed equally between the two teams.
A cinematic finish to the trophy contest
Conducting the ball-out contest itself proved challenging due to the rain and darkness. In an unusual arrangement, the headlights of cars parked at the ground were used to illuminate the playing area, setting the stage for one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.
The ball-out contest conducted under the headlights generated considerable excitement among spectators. MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Dr. Mantar Gowda also witnessed this unusual spectacle. The entire ground was illuminated by vehicle headlights, creating a cinematic atmosphere and an unforgettable moment in the journalists’ cricket tournament.
Bagalkot secured third place, while Chikkaballapur finished fourth. A total of 24 teams, including two teams from Kodagu, competed for the honours.
Journalists’ unity strengthens society: MLAs
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Dr. Mantar Gowda said that an organised and united journalistic community contributed to a stronger society. They also emphasised the important role played by journalists in ensuring that politicians remained on the right path, adding that sports had the power to bring people together.
Chief Minister’s Political Secretary and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna said that it was noteworthy that journalists had participated enthusiastically in the sporting event despite their demanding daily schedules. Winning and losing were natural aspects of sports, and victory alone was not important. Even defeat could become a stepping stone to success. He appreciated the organisers for conducting the tournament.
Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda said that sports fostered friendship and goodwill among people. He urged journalists to continue strengthening their relationships through sporting activities.
Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association president ShivanandaTagaduru, who presided over the function, said that the Kodagu district unit had once again demonstrated its organisational capabilities by conducting the tournament in a highly systematic manner.
He recalled that Kodagu had successfully organised a similar sporting event 13 years ago and had once again hosted a successful state-level tournament. Despite some difficulties caused by adverse weather, the organisers had managed the event effectively. He urged participants never to forget the spirit of sportsmanship and to apply the same spirit in their everyday lives.
Republic Network President (Distribution)Cheranda Kishan Madappa said that participating in sports brought happiness, relaxation and renewed enthusiasm.
K.V. Prabhakar, former media adviser to the Chief Minister, said that bringing together such a large number of journalists and managing an event of this scale was no easy task. He appreciated the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association for organising the tournament efficiently. He observed that there was a time when bringing journalists together was difficult, but the situation had changed, and it was encouraging to see them working collectively towards building a better society.
Entrepreneur Avemadanda Sharan Poonacha said it was particularly noteworthy that teams from Kodagu and Mandya, two districts that regard the River Cauvery with reverence, had emerged as joint champions.
Entrepreneur Edikeri Prasanna said that it was heartening to see journalists, who constituted the fourth pillar of democracy, coming together through sports. He also appreciated the organisers for naming the Kodagu teams after the district’s coffee varieties, Arabica and Robusta, thereby introducing these coffee varieties to people across the state.
Among those present were Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association vice-president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa, general secretary G.C. Lokesh, Tourism Department Deputy Director Shashidhar, senior journalist Ulliyada Poovaiah, Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association president Bacharanianda Anu Cariappa, State Committee member B.R. Savitha Rai, National Committee member Partha Chinnappa, general secretary H.J. Rakesh, taluk presidents Rejith Kumar, M.N. Chandramohan, Vishwa Kumar, Santhosh Rai and Kishore Rai, ground committee convenor Manju Suvarna, food committee convenor Arun Kumar, and other office-bearers of the state association.
Individual award winners:
Man of the Match (Final): Dileep (Mandya), Best Batsman: Abhijith (Hassan), Best Bowler: Parashuram Sanagi (Bagalkot), Best Catch: Akhilesh (Kodagu Arabica) Best Wicketkeeper: Nandan Ramakrishna (Mandya), Best Fielder: Ismail Kandhakare (Kodagu Arabica), Best Team: Chikkamagaluru, Man of the Series: Muttu (Bagalkot)
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