The Media Challengers team emerged champions of the Kodagu Press Club Cricket Premier League (KPCCPL-4), organised by the Kodagu Press Club at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College grounds on Sunday.
In the final, Media Challengers, batting first after losing the toss, posted 81 for 2 in the allotted six overs. Vinod scored 39 runs, while Hemanth added 31. In response, Media Hitters managed 54 for 4, falling short by 27 runs.
Earlier in the tournament, Media Hitters had defeated Media Challengers by 10 wickets in the first qualifier. In the eliminator, Coorg Dew Drops Kushalnagar scored 44 for 7, while Media Super Kings fell just short of the target despite a strong effort.
In the second qualifier, Media Challengers put up a commanding 100 for 1, powered by Hemanth’s explosive 67 off 21 balls, including 10 sixes and a four. Media Super Kings replied with 84 for 1, losing by 16 runs.
Six teams competed in the league stage.
Awards:
Hemanth (Media Challengers) was named Man of the Series, besides winning Best Batsman and Most Sixes awards.
Partha Chinnappa was adjudged Man of the Match in the final. Other awards included:
Best Bowler: Anthony (Media Hitters)
Best All-rounder: Mustafa (Media Super Kings)
Best Fielder: T.N. Manjunath (Media Challengers)
Best Wicketkeeper: K.M. Vinod (Media Hitters)
Best Catch: Kishore Shetty (Media Super Kings)
Best Woman Player: Jayanthi (Media Super Kings)
Ramesh, Manjunath and Sachin officiated as umpires, while Ranju and Shamshak were scorers.
The winners received Rs Rs 81,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 41,000 and a trophy. The third- and fourth-placed teams received Rs 10,000 each along with trophies.
City Circle Inspector P.K. Raju, the chief guest, was felicitated on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Raju described the press as the fourth pillar of democracy and highlighted the role of journalists in shaping society and maintaining harmony. He noted that such sporting events provide much-needed relaxation for journalists.
Social worker K.M.B. Ganesh emphasised the importance of recreation for journalists, while former Municipal Council President H.N. Nandakumar highlighted the need for change and balance in professional life.
Kodagu Press Club President Bollajira B. Ayyappa remarked that winning and losing are integral to sports.
