Dubai, Feb 21: In celebration of its silver jubilee, Karaval Milan, representing 22 coastal parishes under the Kallianpur and Kundapur deaneries of the Udupi diocese, hosted a men's volleyball tournament along with a throwball competition for both men and women.

Weekends and holidays hold special significance for Mangaloreans residing in Gulf countries, who cherish the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. Seizing this moment, Karaval Milan organized an open throwball and volleyball tournament on February 16 at Al Manara Indoor Sports Hall, Jumeirah, inviting teams from across the UAE. A large crowd gathered to witness intense, nail-biting matches as top teams competed for glory.
A total of 14 volleyball teams, along with 8 men's and 8 women's throwball teams from Karnataka-based clubs in the UAE, competed fiercely for the coveted titles. In the end, ELL Properties claimed victory in men's volleyball, KCO Abu Dhabi triumphed in women's throwball, and Coastal Friends secured the men's throwball championship. Adding to the excitement, two elite teams from Bengaluru, comprising a 25-player contingent, flew to Dubai to participate in this prestigious sporting event.

Grand inaugural ceremony
The inaugural ceremony, held in the morning as part of Karaval Milan’s silver jubilee celebrations, was graced by chief guest Girish Pant, a renowned social worker in the Middle East and a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee honored by the President of India. In his address, he praised Karaval Milan for organizing the event and extended his best wishes to the participating teams, encouraging them to compete with true sportsmanship.

Karaval Milan provided a delightful spread of breakfast, lunch, and high tea for all participants.

Thrilling Finale and Award Ceremony
The concluding ceremony took place in the evening, with distinguished guest Leonid Sequeira presenting prizes to the winners and runners-up across all three game categories.

Tournament winners and individual awards
Women’s throwball
● Winners: KCO Abu Dhabi
● Runners-up: Bunts Dubai
● Third place: Coastal Friends

Men’s throwball
● Winners: Coastal Friends
● Runners-up: ACME Dubai
● Third place: KCO Abu Dhabi

Men’s volleyball
● Winners: ELL Properties
● Runners-up: Bright Steel
● Third place: The Gardens

Individual awards
Women’s throwball
● Best defender: Sashikala (KCO)
● Best attacker: Dhanashree (Bunts Dubai)
● Best all-rounder: Sumangala (KCO)

Men’s throwball
● Best defender: Nizam (ACME Dubai)
● Best attacker: Joyson (Coastal Friends)
● Best all-rounder: Alan (Coastal Friends)

Men’s volleyball
● Best setter: Vishu (Bright Steel)
● Best attacker: Zia (ELL Properties)
● Best all-rounder: Jasheel (ELL Properties)