Ashok-Janga team wins Almarai badminton honors

RIYADH — The season 6 Almarai Badminton Tournament concluded successfully at the Almarai Head Office Villa’s badminton court in Al-Izdihar District here successfully. The dairy foods company Almarai has been involved in promoting social causes, sponsoring various events, giving donations and conducting annual sports tournaments for its employees as well. “We provide all support to our employees to enhance their well-being and encourage them to live a healthy life and be physically fit through these sporting events”, said Barathi Mohan, HR manager, who was one of the guests at the awards evening, which was attended by more than 100 Almarai employees, including officials and organizers. Ashok Paudel and Janga Bahadur won the championship of Top Level, while teams of Percha Bahadur-Bishal Gurung and Yasantha-Jayantha were winners of Level 2 and Level 3, respectively. “It is certainly exciting to be part of such event and watch such talented employees who are wonderful sportsmen too. I am proud of them”, said chief guest Ikramul Haque, head of finance department while congratulating all the participants and winners. The tournament followed a league format, comprising three groups of 14 teams each. After elimination round two best teams from each group qualified for Super Six matches and top four teams advanced to the semifinals. The finals were a best-of-three series format, while the last two teams from the semifinals played a knockout game for third and fourth positions. The semifinalists were: Sandeep-Sanoof (Level 1), Samir Shaikh-Swapnil Shetye (Level 2) and Mark Arnals-Ronald Escobido (Level 3). Yasantha Foneska received the ‘Best Mentor’ award amid loud cheers and applause. The main organizers of the event were Kaunain Shahidi, Yasantha, Samir Shaikh, Rudhra Suresh and Sunil Ponnankutti. Shahidi, leader of the organizing group, thanked all who helped in making this tournament a great success. Senior managers of Almarai, Sagay Fernando and Rex Kelly, also attended the closing ceremony. Luisine and Alyoum Marketing Departments sponsored the tournament.