Bhatkal: The grand opening ceremony of 'NGT Bhatkal Trophy 2017-18' organized by Young Muslim Service Association (YMSA) kicked off in style with at Taluka stadium in Nawayath colony, Bhatkal, where a number of Islamic scholars, Social workers, sports personalities and businessmen had gathered to witness the occasion. 

Cricket matches will begin from Thursday, promising excitement and entertainment for the audience for the next 22 days till 21st January, 2018.

Present as the chief guest in the event, famous athlete Abdul Majeed Jukaku, addressing the audience said that as a player, we should have broad thinking, good manners and wide plans to achieve success. The youth should come forward with their passions to achieve greater heights of success. He also opined the association to establish a swimming pool in the town for the youths, which feels it as a necessary need for current generation and also promised to extend his support in every good cause for the association.

As a guest of honor, Atiqur Rahman Muniri, a well-known Industrialist in Dubai and Chairman of Bhatkal Premier League Dubai, speaking on the occasion lauded the beautiful colorful scene of the ground filled with players. He asked the players to make the entire Bhatkal a proud town in the list of sports.

The ceremony was presided over by M J Abdul Raqeeb, president of YMSA, Bhatkal.

The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran by Salman Kola, while Nabeeg Barmawar sung YMSA anthem. General secretary of YMSA Maulana Imran Akrami welcomed the guests, Syed Hussain SM briefly introduced the Association.

On the occasion, Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation President Imtiyaz Udyawar, Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem vice president Inayatullah Shabandari, Abdul Sami Medical, Naseer Barmawar, Sajid Musbah, Arfath Askeri and many others were present on the dais.