The spirit of sports, cultural heritage and community togetherness will take centre stage this Sunday, 8 November, as Konkan Yuva presents the fourth edition of Khel Mhel Season 4 at Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, from 8 am to 8 pm.
Held under the theme "Revecha Uskyar Mathiyecho Khel", the much-anticipated community event is expected to bring together more than 5,000 people for a day filled with traditional sporting competitions, entertainment, cultural celebrations, food and family activities.
Featuring 32 participating teams, over 480 sporting participants and more than 200 children, Khel Mhel Season 4 aims to promote teamwork and cultural unity through friendly competition.
Traditional games take centre stage
Carrying forward the spirit of traditional games and friendly competition, Khel Mhel Season 4 will feature sporting activities across different age categories. The competitions will include mixed tug of war, relay race, moonwalk, lagori, coconut smash and build the pyramid.
The festivities will begin at 7:30 am with a band performance by the Konkan Taaram Brass Band, followed by the inauguration ceremony at 8 am and the grand march past featuring all 32 participating teams.
Presented under the theme "Amso Ganv, Amso Abhiman", the grand march past will showcase the community's cultural roots, identity and pride in its heritage, accompanied by the energetic beats of the brass band.
Thirty-two teams, one community
The fourth edition will witness participation from 32 teams representing different communities, organisations and groups across the UAE. The teams include Mangalore Dragons, Team Titans, DXB Kudla, Coastal Titans, Mangalore Warriors and United Bejai Dubai, among others.
The team names themselves tell the story of the diaspora, with groups carrying the names of Mangaluru localities and parishes into a sports ground in Sharjah. For many participants, the event is a reunion as much as a competition.
Interactive games for everyone will run between 10 am and 1 pm, including Modla Volche, the coconut leaf weaving contest, a slow cycle race and a bandi race with cycle tyre. Spot registrations will be available, allowing visitors to join in.
Little champions get their own stage
Adding a special dimension to the celebrations, Mini Khel Mhel will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm, with more than 200 children expected to participate. The children's competitions will be divided into three age categories: tiny champions aged 3 to 5, junior all-stars aged 6 to 10, and super seniors aged 11 to 14.
The initiative aims to encourage young participants to discover their sporting abilities, develop teamwork and coordination, and enjoy the spirit of healthy competition. It is the part of the day the organisers speak of with the most pride.
The entertainment programme will feature performances through the day, led by emcees MC Viyon Veigas, MC Jovita Rebello, MC Sushmitha Sequeira and MC Doris Lopes. Open High Band, DJ Delan and in-house DJ Edrin will perform, along with live bands, DJ sessions and Baila Dance.
Food, shopping and a family day out
Visitors can also look forward to a food and shopping fiesta featuring a variety of culinary delights and retail attractions. Kebab Bistro and Shetty Lunch Home Restaurant will be the main restaurant partners, while food stalls will offer authentic Mangalorean cuisine, snacks, appetisers, desserts and refreshments.
Shopping stalls will feature clothing, handcrafted products, jewellery and real estate services. Other attractions will include Fancy Fates, making the event a complete family outing. Entry to Khel Mhel Season 4 is free, and families, friends and members of the wider community are invited to join the celebrations.
Konkan Yuva was established in February 2005 and has grown into a community platform that nurtures friendship, cultural identity and lasting relationships, with the guidance of the spiritual leaders at St Mary's Church, Dubai. Through its social, cultural and sporting initiatives, the organisation continues to create opportunities for people across generations to connect and celebrate their heritage.
