Under the leadership of Fr. Paul Tirkey, Don Bosco Oratory, Jumaikela organized a four-day hockey tournament from 18 to 21 February, 2022 in the ground of Catholic Ashram, Jumaikela. The tournament was ably supported by other Salesians and the dedicated faithful of St. John Bosco Church, Jumaikela. The campus of Don Bosco Jumaikela came alive with presence of over one thousand hockey enthusiasts of the locality.
Thirty-two hockey teams from districts of Jashpur, Raigarh and Palamu participated in the tournament. The teams took a lot of trouble to spend money and travel from far to take part in the tournament. The tournament gained stature on account of the participation of the state and national level players.
The organizing committee conducted ten to twelve matches every day from 9.00 am till 5.30 pm. Before every match instructions were given to the players concerning the rules and regulations of the tournament. Every match began with a short prayer.
The aim of the hockey tournament was to promote national game hockey as well as to inspire the upcoming hockey players of Jumaikela Oratory. The tournament also provided the opportunity for the new players to learn new skills from the best. The young also learned he sportsmanship.
The final match was match was played on 21st February. Fr. Godentius Kandulna and Fr. Anbarasan Balthazar from Jokbahla community were present. For the prize distribution Mrs. Heeramani Toppo the Village Sarpanch (Head) was invited. In her message she encouraged the young to develop their talents and be the pride of their community. The team from Chulhapani village was became the Champion. It carried away the cash prize of Rs. 10,000. The team of Girholtoli was the runners up and the team was awarded Rs. 5000 and the third placed team won the cash Prize of Rs. 2,000.
Fr. Paul Tirkey
Jumaikela