News n Pics Herbert Joseph Menezes
In a display of sporting excellence and community spirit, the ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement) Barkur unit successfully organized and concluded the highly anticipated Easter Cup 2025 Cricket Tournament. The event brought together teams from nine wards of the parish in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere that celebrated both the sport and the Easter season.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by an esteemed gathering of parish leaders, including Parish Priest Fr. Ronald Miranda, Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Mr. Joseph Fernandes, and Mr. Herald D'souza, the coordinator of the 20 commissions. Their presence underscored the importance of the event within the community calendar.
Team D, comprised of players from Bennekudru, Hosala Rosary, and Hosal Lawrence wards, emerged as the champions of the tournament after displaying exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the competition. Team A, representing Kachur and Hanehalli wards, secured the runner-up position after a commendable performance in the finals.
Teams C (Nagarmath and Halekodi wards) and B (Kudru and Hosala Sebastian wards) also delivered noteworthy performances during the tournament, contributing to the overall competitive spirit of the event.
Individual accolades were presented to Gavin D'Almeida, who claimed the Best Batsman award for his outstanding batting performance, while Varsha Lobo's exceptional bowling skills earned her the Best Bowler title.
The closing ceremony saw attendance from youth leader Mr. Praveen Carvalho, Captain Cyprian Pinto, Bryan DSouza, Dolphy DSouza, Joseph Fernandes, Ms. Usha Rodrigues, and other parish dignitaries, who commended the participants for their sportsmanship and congratulated the organizing committee for their efforts.
Behind the successful execution of the tournament was the dedicated team from ICYM Barkur, led by President Rian Angelo Aroza, Sports Secretary Hitesh Pereira, and Animator Johnson D'almeida. Their meticulous planning and tireless efforts ensured that the tournament proceeded smoothly from start to finish.
The event featured four teams formed from the nine wards of the parish, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talents while fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants from different parts of the parish community.
The Easter Cup 2025 not only served as a sporting event but also as a community-building exercise that brought parishioners together in celebration of both athletic achievement and parish unity during the Easter season.
The tournament, held at St. Peter Church grounds in Barkur on April 20, 2025, starting at 3 PM, has now established itself as a significant event in the parish calendar, with expectations already building for next year's competition.