Balikas from all over the UK eagerly arrived for the Premvati Cup netball tournament on Saturday 11 July 2009. At 9.30am, 15 teams and approximately 120 players gathered at Alperton Goals Centre for the opening ceremony. It was the first time that an external venue had been chosen to host the netball tournament. All balikas were seated with their teams, dressed in specially designed t-shirts. The tournament opened with huge cheers of delight with the Deep Pragatya ceremony in the presence of Harikrishna Maharaj.
The constant drizzle throughout the day did not dampen the spirits of all the competitors. The tournament was divided into three age groups with teams in each group playing every team within their respective age group. With 35 matches to be played before lunch, the courts were filled with fun, laughter and delightful shouts of encouragement and support. Many parents had also arrived to support their children.
Apart from the unremitting pleasure of netball, refreshments were served throughout the day to all the children – keeping their energy recharged for the competition. After lunch, the semi-finals and finals were played. All the balikas were excited and there was a sense of good team spirit in each group. The winners were as follows:
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Age Group
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Winners
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Top Goal Scorer
|
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6-8
|
South A
|
Alisa Patel
|
|
9-11
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Mixed Team
(Birmingham & London)
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Preena Patel
|
|
12-14
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London Saturday Balika Team
|
Karuna Patel
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The tournament concluded with a closing ceremony in which the teams were congratulated for their victory, and the winners and runners-up were awarded their trophies.
This tournament was a great feat of talent, friendship and unity, played in the highest of spirits regardless of age or mandal. All the balikas thoroughly enjoyed themselves and left with a lasting memory of the Premvati Cup.