Bhatkal: A three-day state-level football tournament organized by Bhatkal Inter Football Association (BIFA) kicked off at the Taluka Stadium Bhatkal on Friday evening. Famous business personality Mr. Hifzurrahman Barmawar inaugurated the ceremony in the presence of other dignitaries.
Mr. Maviya Mohtisham, Convener of the tournament, welcomed the guests and the audience. Briefing about the tournament, he informed that there were 20 teams from different districts including Bagalkot, Belgaum, Udupi and Bangalore. The tournament will conclude with the final match on Sunday and the champions will be awarded a cash prize of 33,333 Rupees along with a trophy.
Bhatkal Block Education officer Mr. Venkatesh Patgar addressed the gathering and enlightened them on the importance of sports. "Young minds gouge each other and develop an understanding through sports. It also helps in developing unity and brotherhood among them. Sports are equally important in life as education." He said.
Mr. Patgar also expressed concern over the hectic use of mobile and social media by the younger generation and lamented that people were getting distanced from each other and getting disconnected from real life. He encouraged BIFA and its representatives to train the youth in the game in such a way that they gain fame and success in the sport.
Mudassir Ikkeri, a Bhatkali athlete, who was present as a guest of honour also spoke on the occassion and said that everywhere youngsters today were seen playing only Cricket. He congratulated BIFA for succesfully introducing football in the region.
Mr. Ahid Mohtesham who was also the master of ceremonies, delivered the vote of thanks while former general secretary of Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation, Maulana SM Irfan Nadvi presided the event.
JDS leader Inayatullah Shabandari, Industrialist Amanullah Kola amongst many others were present on the stage.
Official launching of BIFA kit:
The official kit launching ceremony of BIFA was held at Bhatkal, Bangalore and Dubai. Many businesses and organisations had come forward to sponsor the kit, including SahilOnline, Horizon, RR, Comfy and Square.
The kit launching ceremony at Dubai, was held in the presence of Chairman of SahilOnline Dr S.M Syed Khaleelurrahman and Directors Rahmatullah Rahi, Ashfaque Sada, Jailani Mohtesham, Yusuf Barmawar and Others were present.
At Bhatkal, the launch was held in the presence of Managing Director of Horizon Mr. Qamar Sada, Comfy MD Amanullah Kola , Owner of Square Mr. Hifzurrahman Barmawar and other BIFA members.