In a tough Match which lasted 5 Games with Nepal Sixes, UAE Exchange Riggae Sports Club won the first ever Blesson George memorial volleyball tournament held here at Indian Central School, Abbasiya. The Final held on Saturday evening was witnessed by a large disciplined and appreciable crowd despite hostile weather conditions.
Initially, Riggae Sports with players from Kerala state teams played found it hard to won against Nepal Sixers. The Riggai Sports Club won the first, third, and fifth games while the Nepal Sixes won the second and fourth games.
The winner’s Trophy was presented by Mr. Sebastian George, who is a former Calicut University and Kerala State Volleyball Player and younger brother of late Jimmy George. The Runner-up Trophy was presented by Mr. Pancily Varkey, Country head of U.A.E. Exchange Co. The Trophies for Man of the Match and Player of the Tournament were awarded to Mr. Najeeb of Riggai Sports Club, whose thunderous smashes were highlights of the tournament. Trophies for Man of the Match award for each Match were also distributed on the final day.
Earlier, before the final, a presentation match was held in between Travancore Titanium and Selected Sixers, in which each team won 1 set each. Prominent players from Kerala were played in the tournament.
In the Students volley, Carmel School Kuwait won against United Indian School and Rahul Roy of UIS selected as the best player. The Trophies and medals for Winner and Runner-up were presented by former Calicut University and Kerala State Players Mr. Mani C. Kappen and Mr. Sebastian George.
Blessen George Foundation gave away outstanding sportspersons awards among Indian School students in Kuwait to Miss. Roshni Mathew of United Indian School and Mr. Tom Joseph of Carmel School in recognition of their excellent performances in CBSC National Sports and Games, School and inter school Sports and Games competitions and as an encouragement to further develop and enhance their sports talents. The Trophy for Best Sportsperson award for Roshni Mathew was presented by Mr. Mani C. Kappen and the Trophy for Best Sportsman award for Mr. Tom Joseph was presented by Mr. Sebastian George.
A Short video recording of the 1986 ASIAD in which the great Jimmy George, Udayakumar and Cyril C. Valloore played a pivotal role in winning Bornze medal for India was also aired during the Tournament.
Blessen George Memorial Volleyball Tournament is organized by Kuwait’s Blessen George Foundation in memory of late Blessen George, who was the best all-rounder of his time in India in the volleyball game. Volleyball was once the most played and watched Game in India apart from Football.