PANAJI
The Konkani Community of Sacred Heart Parish participated in the Monthi Fest 2025 Cricket Festival tournament at the Indian Club Bahrain grounds on August 22.
The heat and humidity of the August summer did not deter the cricket enthusiasts, players, participants and fans from giving it all they had in terms of cricket on the grounds.
The tournament began with a prayer service by Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community SHC Fr Darel Fernandes.
The 2025 Monthi Fest Cricket Festival brought forth 12 men’s and 4 women’s teams to the arena for a spirited but competitive cricket festival. The 12 men’s teams were pooled in four groups of 4 teams each in a group-cum-league knockout match.
All matches were played under the supervision and expertise of the Konkani Community Cricket organisers, who are veterans in the game.
The men’s final took place between the ‘Elite Eagles’ and the ‘Goan Falcons’, with the ‘Elite Eagles’ winning the trophy.
Prizes were awarded to Oliver Alphonso (Player of the Tournament – Monthi Fest Cricket 2025), Patrick Rodrigues (Best Batter), Nelson D’souza (Best Bowler) and Lancy D’souza (Best Player of the Finals).
The women’s tournament had four teams competing from the Konkani Community, with some of the players participating on the cricket field for the first time.
The women’s finals took place between the ‘Bahrain Warriors’ and the ‘Sea Guys’, with the ‘Sea Guys’ emerging as champions.
Prizes were awarded to Vinola Lobo (Player of the Tournament), Shalet D’Souza (Best Batter), Shainy Lobo (Best Bowler) and Shallet D’Souza (Best Player of the Finals).
Winners were awarded trophies, cups and attractive prizes.
The umpires for the tournament were Kamal Mohamed Sheikh and Ilyas Adam Sheikh, veterans in the game of cricket.
Cricket commentators Thomas Fernandes, Freeda Sequeira, Loyd Veigas and Arun Fernandes rolled the event rhythmically with their running commentary throughout the matches to keep the spirit of the game alive and kicking with some good sense of humour for the players and spectators.
Roshan D’Souza Kateel was the official photographer, catching glimpses of action on and off the field during the tournament.
Spiritual Director Fr Darel Fernandes was present at the tournament, which was coordinated by the Core Committee of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, led by its convenor, Nelson Menezes.
Indian Club Bahrain President Cascious Pereira addressed the gathering and appreciated the supporters for their presence in large numbers.
