Mangalore: An all India Invitation Volley ball tournament (5th in series) for men and women organised by a private outfit (Mangala Friends C.) for 4 days on Urwa stores grounds, commenced on Feb 16 with a Yaksha dance.

A minute’s silence was observed for the memory of S.P. Baliga and Dr. V.S. Acharya, who passed away.

A. Nagesh welcomed the gathering. Mayor Praveen Anchan inaugurated the games by lighting a lamp on the dais. Anchan considered Volleyball as a popular sport played in school/colleges and professionally as well, in India, USA, and world.

The Mayor said he was member of MFC that produced several national level Volleyball players for India.

He assured full support to MFC with a grant Rs 2 lakhs. He congratulated MFC for organising sports shows.

Builder Lancy Mascarenhas inaugurated the 5th Volleyball annual tournament, while Karnataka Bank chairman Bhat released balloons and gave start to the matches, wishing all success. MLA N. Yogish Bhat spoke on the occasion.

Vincent Lobo delivered a vote of thanks. Several sport and volley ball game-levers were present to watch the thrilling games.

The first match was played between ONGC, Dehra Dun, and Kerala Electricity Board Trivandrum.

D.K Dt. has 6 team of men and women in this tournament, spread over 4 days.

Ramachandra compared the programme.