Trophy launch, fun games, raffle draw mark MPL Fest at Panambur beach

Mangaluru, Nov 28: Cricket lovers thronged the Panambur beach on the outskirts of the city on Sunday evening to witness the MPL Fest, organised by the Karnataka Regional Cricket Academy as a prelude to the third edition of Mangalore Premiere League.

The launch of trophy and theme song for the coastal Karnataka's biggest cricket carnival scheduled to be held between December 17 and 30 at Dr Ambedkar Stadium, Panambur, was the highlight of the fun-filled event.

Comprising of various games for the public that gathered in thousands, the event also saw a unique cyclothon and vehicle rally marking the arrival of various enthusiasts from Manipal and Mangaluru city respectively.

Various games for the public like family cricket, sand-art competition, hit the stumps, run turn and run etc were organised. Team Mangalore, known for its kites, displayed few of their signature kites by the beach to attract further attention.

The trophy was launched in a unique manner in the presence of guests for the evening Arjun Kapikad, Tulu cine actor, Yathish Baikampady, CEO, Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project, U T Ifthikar Ali, syndicate member, Rajiv Gandhi University, among others. A kite was flown with the MPL 2016 flag, followed by trophy unveiling and theme song.

Speaking on the occasion Yashpal Suvarna, member of Udupi city municipal council, emphasised on the efforts of organisers KRCA led by Imtiaz and Sirajuddin in organising such a mega cricket tournament for the entire Mangaluru zone.

“Mangaluru certainly needs to be the key zone for cricket after Bangaluru and we shall try to meet the demands of a proper ground for cricket in this coastal city soon,” said Manohar Amin, convenor of KSCA Mangaluru zone.

Ashraf Amaco, an NRI businessman and cricket patron, congratulated all the players of the tournament and encouraged them to perform better in order to make it to the next level of KPL, IPL and Indian cricket team like K L Rahul.

Dance performances marked the entertainment progamme on stage with sizzling moves from Advika shetty and Sana's Frictions Dance crew. All the 12 franchise teams vying for the MPL title were introduced on stage with their team anthems and respective captains walking the ramp.

Few inspiring personalities were felicitated in addition to the mega raffle draw which drew lot of suspense as six winners were picked and the first prize being iPhone 6 s. The event concluded with baila dancing for the public.