N.U. ABDUL RAZZAK UDAYAR
COLOMBO :KSA Kings of Thalgaspitiya under the captaincy of veteran cricketer M.Y.M. Nazeer have become Champions in the 5 over special cricket tourney held for the Well Wishers’ Trophy at the newly built playground in Thalgaspitiya Aranayaka to celebrate the groundbreaking occasion of handing over of it to Thalgaspitiya Muslim Maha Vidyalaya, one of the most popular schools for Education and Sports in the Aranayaka area, 10 miles off Mawanella. This exciting tournament that was held thorought the day on Tuesday 1st August 2023. The players of over 40 of the area were in action in this event that was organized by the school in association with Thajmahal Sports Club to pay tribute to the well-wishers who raised huge fund to make this playground for this leading school. The Chairman of the Ground Construction Association, the proprietor of Aroma Traders of Mawenella, Al Haj M.S.M Najeem who graced the occasion as the chief guest requested the villagers to make use of this playground to ensure the perfect health of not only the students but also the elders, elderly and the women. He officially handed over this playground to the principal of the school Mahboob who has been working round the clock to develop the school as a dominant force in the area. The population of the entire village along with the students, members of the staff, fans and others enthusiastically witnessed this colourful ceremony that was held to mark the Ground Day, which was a new milestone for this leading school.
There were six teams under two groups numbering over hundred cricketers that stole the limelight for this veterans’ tournament. In fact most of them were the past students of the institution who responsibly contributed for the Ground Fund to make this ground dream of the village a reality. The teams Amana Avengers, Taqwa Strikers, KSA Kings, Overseas United, Tewa Legends, and Staff blasters (school team) actively participated under the league base. For the semi-finals KSA Kings, Staff Blasters, Taqwa Strikers and Overseas Legends got qualified as they completed the league round successfully. In the first semi-final KSA Kings led by M.Y.M. Nazeer that made 75 runs narrowly eliminated the Staff Blasters by one run. Blasters led by Mahboob were restricted to 74 for 2. In the second semi-final, Taqwa strikers under the captaincy of M.S.U.M. Farooq defeated Overseas United by 23 runs that was captained by M.Y.M. Aroos. Taqwa made 75 in their allotted 5 overs. The Championship was grabbed by KSA Kings. Taqwa asked to bat were restricted to 45 for 8. In reply the KSA Kings true to their name reached the target without losing any wickets.
The following players were given trophies and cash awards for their excellence shown in this tourney.
- Man of the Match- Final- Najibudeen
- Man of the match- Semi Final-1- Riyas Mohammed
- Man of the match- Semi Final-2 Faheem
Hussain, Siyam, Rishad, Imthiyas, Najubudeen and Zarook were also given the tropies and awards for their outstanding performance in the first round. There were special awards for the following.
Best Bowler: Rismy, Best Batsman: Rismy, Best Fielder: Faheem, Best Keeper: Aroos, Fair Player: Riyas Thahir.
The Director General of the Ministry of Muslim Affairs, Mr. M.Z.M. Faizal, the philanthropist and the , Proprietor of Aroma Traders, Al Haj M.S.M. Najeem, Principal of T.M.M.V. Mr. Mahboob, the go getter of the tourney, Mr. M.S.M. Riyas (Staff-T.M.M.V.), the Principal of Kurivita M.M.V, Mr. Imam and many more prominent members of the area were present on this memorable occasion. For the ground fund and conducting this tournament, residents wo work overseas and well-wishers of the school made a good contribution. The highlight of the event was that it was live streamed via the social media
